SAN JOSE, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara women's soccer couldn't have asked for a better start to its road trip. Coming off a win Thursday night, the Gauchos kept the momentum going with a 1-0 victory over San Jose State on Sunday afternoon. Haley Phillips' goal in the 70th minute proved to be the difference.

FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF
"We got the result but it was a bit of a rough one today," said Stumpf. "Our build and relentless defense were good, but I felt like we weren't great in the attacking third. Dakota Watterson's serve and Haley Phillips' finish were class."

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos and Spartans played to a scoreless first half, combining for eight shots with only three on target. Possession was balanced, with much of the action taking place in the midfield. UCSB outshot San Jose State 6-2 before halftime and earned just one corner kick.

The pace shifted in the second half as both sides began to generate more opportunities. After limited looks early, UCSB broke through in the 70th minute with a well-executed sequence. Ava Dermott gained possession in the midfield and found Dakota Watterson on the right flank. Watterson delivered a cross into the box, where Phillips made a run and headed the ball past the keeper to give the Gauchos the lead.

UC Santa Barbara held firm the rest of the way, extending its unbeaten streak to four matches.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos continue their road trip next week with a visit to the Midwest. They face North Dakota on Thursday, Sept. 4, before taking on North Dakota State on Sunday, Sept. 7. Both matches will stream on the Summit League Network.