Friday, November 17, 2017

LA JOLLA, Calif. –  In a rematch of last year’s NCAA postseason matchup, it was No. 3 UC San Diego that came out ahead tonight, topping No. 7 Western Washington 2-0 for the 2017 West Regional title at Triton Soccer Stadium.

The Tritons (17-2-2) advance to the fourth round of the 2017 NCAA Championships, as they host No. 23 UC Colorado Springs this Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

Coming into the match, lengthy win streaks were on the line for both teams. With a victory, UCSD extended its home winning streak to 19 games. The Vikings see their 23-game road win streak snapped, as they fall in their first away game since a 2-1 loss at Humboldt State in 2015.

UC San Diego’s Megumi Barber opened the scoring 23 seconds before the halftime whistle. After dribbling around the Vikings’ box, Barber laced her third goal of the season after finding the upper corner of the net.

Withstanding pressure from the Western Washington attack late on, UC San Diego’s Mary Reilly sealed the contest with seven minutes left in the match. Her shot from 18-yards out whistled past the outstretched arm of WWU goalkeeper Ashley Homer, advancing her side to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.

Western Washington came close to the equalizer in the 70th minute. After the Vikings received a free kick 25 yards away from goal, senior captain Emily Webster saw her line-drive attempt parried over the crossbar by UCSD goalkeeper Katie Wilkes.

Western Washington outshot the hosts 19-12, landing three on frame. Homer ended the night with four saves. In her second start of the year, Wilkes earned her first collegiate shutout.

The Vikings close out the season 18-2 and GNAC champions for the third season in a row. Western Washington forwards Gabriela Pelogi (15) and Karli White (10) end the season leading the team in goals, as the duo accounted for 45.5 percent of the Vikings’ scoring offense. The Vikings finish with 14 shutouts to lead the GNAC.