4/11/25 - WSCA Playoffs
4/11 - UCSD vs Santa Clara University
The UC San Diego women’s club soccer team was beyond excited to head out on the road to Irvine to participate in the long awaited West Coast Soccer Association Playoffs. This tournament would be the culmination of their league season and was the chance to face off against the best club teams on the west coast to take the title of league champions.
The Tritons were first pitted up against the Broncos of Santa Clara University and were eager to start off the tournament on a strong foot. The game kicked off with a strong start for UCSD, the players showcasing the skills and strategies that the team had been building towards throughout the whole league season. The possession of the ball remained firmly with UCSD as the powerhouse center backs Julia Hagedorn and Bella Hoyuela confidently swung the ball back and forth, prodding at Santa Clara’s defense. A few long balls from Santa Clara’s back line proved dangerous at times, but were no match for the grit of UCSD’s back line. The half finished off with a 0-0 score, leaving the Tritons hungry for the chance to put the ball in the back of the net in the second half.
UCSD started the second half with fresh legs and a renewed determination to put up a number on the scoreboard. Quick transitions out of the back and up to UCSD’s brilliant front line allowed Mia Fava and Jada Romero to slip in behind and find themselves in threatening positions against Santa Clara’s goal, yet a few well timed saves by Santa Clara’s goalkeeper kept the Broncos in the game. The Tritons continued to push to be first and physical to every ball, their efforts headed by Kirsten Whetstone who dominated the aerial game and pushed the Broncos back into their half. Finally, with only about 15 minutes left in the half, UCSD drew a corner kick. Graduate student Julia Hagedorn sent a powerful ball in that was rebounded by the Broncos, but collected by Suhana Singh, who laid the ball off nicely for Julia, who then proceeded to fire a well placed shot into the top left corner from distance, surprising even herself when it fell gorgeously into the net, and with this shot, the Tritons took the lead with a score of 1-0. UCSD battled out the rest of the game by holding the ball in Santa Clara’s half and when the whistle blew, the Tritons left with a victory in the books to start their journey towards WCSA Champions!
4/12 - UCSD vs CSULB
On Saturday morning, the UC San Diego Tritons played Long Beach State, defeating the Elbee’s 1-0. Coming off of a victory from the first game of playoffs, the Tritons were hungry for another win in their second game, while Beach was looking for redemption from their first game. As the first whistle blew, Beach played a low press, giving the Triton’s defense line to circulate and maintain possession. In the first half, Julia Hagedorn scored a stunner after receiving a ball from Lauren Gomez.
The second half displayed resilience as both teams continued to search for more goals. Throughout the game, despite Beach’s efforts, the Tritons back line remained solid, securing a shutout. Things got intense as two yellow cards were awarded, but ultimately when the game ended, UCSD came out on top with a 1-0 win.
4/12 - UCSD vs ASU
In a tightly contested match between UC San Diego and Arizona State University, the UCSD women’s club soccer team walked away with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a brilliant early goal and an overall commanding performance.
The tone was set early on when, just ten minutes into the first half, UCSD center back Allie delivered a stunning lofted ball over the ASU back line. The perfectly placed pass found freshman midfielder Luana in stride, who showcased her skill with a composed volley finish to put the Tritons ahead. The goal was a blend of vision, precision, and technique—a highlight-worthy moment that ultimately decided the match.
Following the goal, ASU initially allowed UCSD to maintain possession, sitting deeper and absorbing pressure. The Tritons circulated the ball with confidence and control, dictating the tempo through midfield. But as the first half progressed, ASU shifted gears, implementing a high press that disrupted UCSD’s rhythm and forced mistakes in possession. Despite the increased pressure, UCSD held strong, relying on their composure and disciplined ball movement to weather the storm.
Though ASU created some dangerous moments with their aggressive press and physical presence, UCSD’s defensive unit stayed organized and resilient. Allie, anchoring the backline, not only contributed to the scoreline with her assist but also led a composed defensive effort that kept ASU from finding the equalizer.
The second half saw both sides fighting for momentum. ASU pushed forward in search of a goal, while UCSD looked to protect their lead and capitalize on the counterattack. Despite the intensity and tactical shifts, the Tritons remained in control for much of the match, with smart game management and strong team chemistry evident in every phase of play.
When the final whistle blew, UCSD emerged with a deserved 1-0 win. It was a game that highlighted not just a moment of brilliance in front of goal, but also a team performance built on discipline, technical quality, and strategic awareness.
With this victory, UCSD continues to build momentum and showcase their strength as a top contender in the club soccer scene
4/13 - UCSD vs Cal Poly SLO (Semi final)
In a thrilling semi final clash against reigning national champions Cal Poly SLO, our team delivered a performance for the ages, ending a four-year drought against the powerhouse in dramatic fashion. Cal Poly struck first with a counterattack, putting us on the back foot early. But the momentum shifted in the second half when Mia Fava threaded a brilliant through ball to Jada Romero, who coolly slotted home the equalizer, reigniting hope and energy across the squad.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation, the match went straight to penalty kicks — and that's where we took control. Cal Poly missed their first two attempts, opening the door. Luana Veras, Suhana Singh, Jada Romero, and Darya Abolmaali stepped up with ice in their veins, burying their shots to seal the win. The victory not only sends us to the championship final but also marks a statement win over a long-dominant rival — one that we won’t soon forget.
4/13 - UCSD vs UCLA (Final)
In a thrilling playoff final that had fans on the edge of their seats, the UC San Diego Women’s Club Soccer Team emerged victorious against their biggest rival, UCLA, securing the title of Playoff Champions. The matchup was intense from the first whistle, with both teams putting everything on the line. Tensions ran high as the long-standing rivalry between the Tritons and Bruins played out on the field, with every tackle and pass carrying the weight of a season’s worth of hard work and determination. The defining moment of the game came when Mia Fava delivered a perfectly timed assist into the box. Kirsten Whetstone, rising above the UCLA defenders, met the ball with a stunning header that found the back of the net. The only goal of the game and the one that would seal UCSD’s championship win. The UCSD team’s defense held strong through the second half, fending off relentless pressure from UCLA. When the final whistle blew, the Tritons celebrated not just a victory, but a hard-fought triumph over a team that had challenged them time and time again.
