SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After going toe-to-toe with Utah Valley in the first half, the UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team unfortunately conceded four goals in the second half. The Wolverines' high-powered attack returned to form and were the first to defeat the Gauchos on their home turf in nearly 400 days.
HOW IT HAPPENED
From the opening kick, both teams started firing away at the net. Despite some early opportunities, neither side was able to find the back of the net. Midway through the half, the Gauchos and Wolverines made a few substitutions, but the offensive output continued.
In the final minute of the first half, the Gauchos were fouled just outside the penalty box and were awarded a free kick.
Emily Caughey stepped up and took a shot that hit the crossbar.
Kate Killer corralled the rebound and sent her shot high over the crossbar. The teams would head to halftime without a score.
In the second half, the Gauchos had another tremendous look at goal just two minutes in.
Chayse Yu ripped a shot from point-blank range at the goal, but the UVU keeper got her paws on it and sent it away. After the save, the tide began to turn.
Utah Valley's offensive attack picked it up a notch and, in the 61
st minute, broke through. Just a minute and 39 seconds later, the Wolverines doubled their lead. The attack did not stop there as they scored their third goal in the 66
th minute, taking a 3-0 lead in just under five minutes of game time.
From that point forward, it was all Wolverines, as the Gauchos were unable to sustain any pressure on the offensive end of the field. Another goal in the 82
nd minute would end the scoring for the match as the Wolverines defeated the Gauchos 4-0.
BIG WEST CHAMPIONSHIP IMPLICATIONS
UC Santa Barbara now finds themselves battling for a spot in The Big West Championships. The Gauchos are currently in a five-way tie for fourth place in the conference. Of the five teams tied, only three will find their way into the tournament.
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will play a pivotal match next Wednesday night in Northridge, California. The Gauchos and Matadors will at 7 p.m. at the Matador Soccer Field. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available.
