UCSD Dominating Victory Over Gauchos in Must Win Game
The Tritons played Santa Barbara, who had beaten them in the semi finals of Aztec Cup earlier in the year. The implications of the game were huge, as two of the league's best teams were fighting for a spot to play in the spring playoffs.
In the first half UCSD held good control of the ball, building out of the back very effectively while also creating numerous chances to score in the final third. After recycling play from a UCSD corner, striker Weng Lok opened up the scoring with a crafty finish inside the box with an assist by midfielder Lucas Venetoulias. Going into halftime, the Tritons looked very much in control of the game.
UCSD continued their dominance into the last 45. Early on, forward Kalani Takamura burned a defender down the sideline to create a chance which ultimately resulted in a scrappy goal from midfielder Owen Reiss.
A UCSB goal seemingly revitalized the Gauchos as the tide of the game turned for a brief 10 minutes, catching the Tritons on their heels. However, a beautiful header off of a corner from forward Paul Jasper smashed any hopes of a UCSB comeback. Final score: 3-1 Tritons.