PALO ALTO, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara girls's soccer staff fell within the first spherical of the NCAA Ladies's Soccer Championship on Friday evening. The Gauchos fell 5-Zero to the 14th-ranked Cardinal.
FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF
“It's all the time onerous to finish a season,” Stumpf stated. “I take into consideration all the expansion our staff has skilled this season and I'm pleased with our Huge West championship. I’m very enthusiastic about the way forward for our program, however earlier than that I go away right here pleased with the hassle our staff put forth this season. .”
How did it occur
Stanford managed the opening kickoff and on its first possession gained a nook kick. Within the nook, the Cardinal served the ball into the decrease left facet of the web, forcing Buckley to make considered one of her 5 saves within the first half.
Santa Barbara, now in possession, the Gauchos methodically labored their manner up the sector and gained a nook kick as properly. A ball performed quick by Emily Caughey was performed to Isabella Ong who discovered an unmarked Gia Cimring. The senior took a shot on the purpose however despatched it excessive, giving Stanford the ball.
Stanford continued aggressive assaults peppering Buckley within the internet. Within the first 15 minutes of play, Stanford took seven photographs, however just one could be on internet. The Gauchos, nonetheless hanging with the 14th-ranked Cardinal, continued to maintain them off the board.
Within the 21st minute, Stanford went up 1-Zero on an personal purpose. A serve by the Cardinal would deflect off a number of Gaucho defenders and into the web after a last-second save try.
Moments later, Stanford struck once more. Within the 23rd minute, the Cardinal shot from simply exterior the field and beat Buckley to the highest proper of the purpose.
The Blue and Gold stored Stanford off the board for the remainder of the half heading into the break two.
After halftime, the Cardinal continued to search out success in opposition to the Gauchos scoring twice within the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Gauchos tried to get some offense going within the 60th minute with two photographs from Jaclyn Degidio and Emily Caughey, however each photographs have been blocked.
Earlier than the ultimate whistle, Stanford added yet one more purpose and the Gauchos' historic 2024 season was over.
IN CONCLUSION
The Gauchos end the 2024 season with an total file of Eight-6-9. It was probably the most wins by a Gaucho staff for the reason that 2021 season. The Gauchos additionally gained the Huge West Championship and reached the NCAA Match for the primary time since 2009.
(UCSB Athletics)