LA JOLLA — (Oct. 27) No. 1 seed and host UC San Diego scored on a corner kick at the 16:26 mark of the first half and the goal would stand for the remainder of the game as the Tritons topped No. 4 seed Humboldt State, 1-0, in the first round of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Women's Soccer Tournament Friday.
The Lumberjacks close out an impressive 2006 season with a 12-5-4 overall record while the Tritons improve to 17-1-2 overall.
UC San Diego's Megan Dickey headed in a cross by Caitlin Ryan on the fourth corner kick given up by the Lumberjacks, giving the Tritons the 1-0 lead.
“We got off to a slow start,” said HSU head coach Andy Cumbo. “However, once (UC San Diego) got their goal, we came alive.”
Right off the ensuing kickoff,
Jessica Hewins sent a 30-yard bullet at the far left corner of the net, but the Triton's keeper Jessica McGovern came up with a big save to hold off the Jacks' attempted equalizer.
Humboldt spent much of the first half in their own end, fending off 14 shots by UC San Diego.
Staci Self had seven saves in the period.
Despite building a handful of runs after the break, the second half was once again dominated by the Tritons.
“We made some adjustments in the second half,” said Cumbo. “UCSD is one of the best teams I've seen all season and they were better than us tonight.”
UC San Diego finished the game with 34 shots to the Lumberjacks' three. The Jacks were able to limit the Triton's corner kicks in the second half, giving up just two.
Self added eight second-half saves, turning in a final brilliant performance to her four-year career at Humboldt State.
“Staci had another huge performance, but that's what I expect out of her and what she expects out of herself,” said Cumbo. “This team, and these seniors, have really left their mark this year. This is the best team that has played for me so far and I'm proud of what they did this year.”
Humboldt State (12-5-4) vs. UC San Diego (17-1-2)
Date: Oct 27, 2006 Attendance: 818
Weather: Clear and mild... 76 degrees.
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Humboldt State...... 0 0 - 0
UC San Diego........ 1 0 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 16:26 UCSD DICKEY, Megan (7) (RYAN, Caitlin) - Header off corner kick
Shots: Humboldt State 3, UC San Diego 34
Saves: Humboldt State 15 (SELF, Staci 15), UC San Diego 2 (MCGOVERN, Jessica 2)
UCSD advances to Championship game on Sunday.
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