Cal Poly defeats UCSD women’s soccer with a golden goal to regain the Big West lead
Cal Poly defeated UC San Diego 3-2 with a 99th-minute goal to reclaim first place atop the Big West Conference women’s soccer leaderboard.
The Mustangs (10-6-0, 6-1-0 Big West) and the Tritons (4-8-2, 2-3-1) scored two goals apiece during regulation, leading the match into overtime at Alex G. Spanos Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Alex Crozier said UC San Diego was a difficult team to play and the Mustangs worked to keep the ball moving.
“We found a way to win the game and I’m happy about that,” Coach Crozier said.
Forward Nikki Trucco scored 30 seconds into the match, tying a program record for the quickest goal to open a game. On Oct. 30, 1997, Cal Poly’s Patty Teal scored 30 seconds into a game against BYU, which the Mustangs lost 3-2.
The Mustangs’ doubled the lead in the 53rd minute as defender Emily Talmi took a corner kick and defender Danielle Anderson gave a pass to forward Olivia Ortiz. Ortiz scored from the left side of the Tritons’ penalty area.
The Tritons’ responded in the 66th minute with a goal by Lucy Tang. UC San Diego tied the game ten minutes last as Ava D’Arcangelo found the net off an assist by Caitlin McCarthy, bringing the match to overtime.
As the Mustangs prepared for overtime, midfielder Camille Lafaix said the team had talked with each other about how badly they wanted to win.
“Whoever wins overtime is always the team that wants it more,” Lafaix said. “We were going to play with our hearts out there.”
Ortiz passed the ball over the Tritons’ back line for Lafaix to score the game-winning goal. Ortiz, a San Luis Obispo High grad, leads the Big West Conference with assists.
“Whatever I can do to help my team I’m happy with,” Ortiz said. “The enthusiasm and chemistry with us is just phenomenal.”
Freshman goalkeeper Mackenzie Samuel totaled two saves.
Cal Poly leads the Big West Conference with 18 points.
Cal Poly will play at UC Santa Barbara on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m, as the Gauchos stand at second place with 16 points.
This story was originally published October 17, 2021 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Cal Poly defeats UCSD women’s soccer with a golden goal to regain the Big West lead."
