Los Angeles, Calif.--Heading into the MPSF Championships, No. 8 UC Santa Barbara (15-11) was faced with the daunting task of opening their tournament play against undefeated No. 1 USC (25-0). This was the third time the two teams have faced each other this season, with the Trojans winning all three match ups. With the aid of an incredible eight goal run, USC outplayed UCSB to open tournament play with a 17-9 victory.
The first period set the tone of the match as USC outscored UC Santa Barbara 5-1 in the opening period. All five goals for the Trojans came from five different players as they shared the wealth in the early moments of the game.
UCSB showed lots of heart and toughness out in the pool as they cut into the USC lead with two goals from Matt Gronow to make the score 6-3. Unfortunately for the Gauchos, the Trojans produced an impressive eight goal run to open up an even wider lead. The Gauchos could not contain the Trojans' offensive production and in the midway point of the third period, UCSB faced a 15-4 deficit.
The deficit proved too much for UC Santa Barbara. Even with a four goal run in the fourth period, USC cruised to an easy victory as they defeated the Gauchos, 17-9.
UC Santa Barbara's offense was led by two goals apiece from Matt Gronow, Derek Shoemaker and Bryce Miller. Adding to the goal total was Eric Van de Mortel, Dylan Baliani and Nicholas Jordan. Senior Goalkeeper recorded five saves for the game as he led the defense.
UC Santa Barbara must regroup quickly as they have another match tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 24 against No. 5 Long Beach State at 10 am at the McDonald's Swim Stadium at USC. If the Gauchos prevail victorious over the 49ers, they will play on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 11:30 am against the winner of the Pacific vs. Pepperdine match. If UCSB falls to Long Beach State, they will play on Sunday at 10 am against the loser of the Pacific vs. Pepperdine match.
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1
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2
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3
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4
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Final
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UC Santa Barbara
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1
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3
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1
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4
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9
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USC
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5
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7
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3
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2
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17
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UC Santa Barbara Goals: Derek Shoemaker (2) Matt Gronow (2) Bryce Miller (2) Eric Van de Mortel, Dylan Baliani, Nicholas Jordan.
UC Santa Barbara Saves: Myles Christian (5)
USC Goals: Michael Rosenthal (4) Kostas Genidounias (3) Jeremy Davie (2) Nikola Vavic (2) Matt Burton (2) Mace Rapsey (2) Zach Lucas, Rex Butler.
USC Saves: James Clark (6) Ely Bonilla (5)
