It was a beautiful day for the Women’s Club Soccer team’s first game of the spring season. As the sun set over the field, the team was ready to face off away against UC Irvine. Although the team was smaller than usual, they were feeling confident and excited to start the year on a positive note. 

The first half saw explosive starts from both teams, with both sides having ample opportunities to score. Great defensive work from left-back Michaela Selby and right-back Emily Nakamura was able to shut down the UCI runners down the wings. And goalkeeper Allison Lee provided a vital double save to shift the momentum back to UCSD. This confidence quickly led to a goal by right-winger Roni Yonce, who was able to cut inside of the field and place a perfectly weighted shot into the back of the net. From here, UCSD was able to continue the high pressure on UCI’s defense, as they were unable to deal with the wingers making runs down the line and creating chance after chance. Unfortunately, UCSD was not able to capitalize beyond this as they went into the second half.

Things continued the same at the start of the second half. Wingers Sierra Jordan-Huffman and Adelka Hancova were a constant threat, as they were given ample space to make runs behind the back line. This finally wore out their defense, as a free-kick from Allie Spong to Sierra was the moment where UCSD was able to extend their lead to 2-0. However, the game was not fully sealed, as a UCI breakthrough brought the game back in their reach. While UCI was able to draw a strong second wind in the closing minutes of the game, UCSD’s back line was more than capable of meeting this challenge, as they were able to shut down any last-ditch efforts from the opposition.

With a 2-1 win, UCSD’s Women’s club soccer team starts their season off to a great start, as they hope to place first in their league. They will continue working hard till their next game Saturday, February 26, against the University of San Diego.