Tritons Book Ticket to Regionals with Win Over UC Irvine

By Erica Bender

 

 

On October 25, 2015 the UC San Diego Women’s Club Soccer team headed up to Irvine for the last game of their season. With a win or a tie needed to advance to Regionals the Tritons were all geared up to go. The game started off well for the Tritons but soon fell into a battle of the midfield. While the Tritons possessed the ball well, no forward momentum could be found. Half time saw the score tied with zero goals for each side. A thrilling and motivational halftime talk by captains Mallorie Nguyen and Amy Schwartz pushed San Diego to start strong the second half. And did those Tritons push. Multiple goal scoring opportunities came for Tritons such as Olivia Hadidian, Laurel Bowling, Lauren Taiclet and Lizzie Blackwell in the second half with no luck. The Tritons constantly battled their way up the field, taking on dirty players and sassy refs, with only looks disapproval thrown back at them. Finally in the final minutes of the game, a beautiful ball was crossed in by Abby Chin, agonizingly bounced around inside the box, and was finally placed upper netting in the goal by Alaina Bujtor. The Tritons went on to win 1-0 against the Irvine Anteaters, solidifying second place in the Coast Conference and their ticket to Regionals this coming weekend in San Louis Obispo. And while celebration amongst all was high, keeper Erica Bender was disappointed her post-game hot dog place in Irvine had closed down.