CSUSM’s Women’s Soccer team faced defeat against the UC San Diego Tritons, a No. 11-ranked team, at home on Sept. 20.

The Tritons started off strong with Junior Katie O’Laughlin scoring within the first five minutes of the game with a powerful kick to the top corner of the net.

The Cougars were unable to capitalize off of attempts, but stayed strong defensively and kept the score at 1-0 throughout the rest of the first half.

CSUSM used the second half kickoff to gain momentum and attack the Tritons at full force, forcing them to play strong defense against the Cougars’ skilled offense.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Triton’s O’Laughlin managed to cross the ball to Senior Kiera Bocchino, who then scored, giving the Tritons a 2-0 advantage.

Cougar Freshman Lauren Perry then came close to scoring off a cross but Triton’s goalkeeper, Itzel Gonzalez, managed to block the ball.

With less than ten minutes on the clock, Triton Senior Kristen Sampietro, put another one in the back of the net.

Shortly after that, with only four minutes remaining, Triton Sophomore Kelsey Kimball headed the ball in with a corner kick, giving UCSD the 4-0 win and continuing their undefeated season.

Despite the outcome, CSUSM Senior Karly Dunning (#3) said she sees the potential of a great team.

“Our team’s strengths were definitely that we have a big heart. As a team, we don’t give up. We continue to work hard, to create opportunities. We are just a strong team.”

Dunning also said she hopes to improve as a leader and to help her team after this game by “continually uplifting the girls, to push them and bring up their spirits through a loss like this.”

CSUSM’s head soccer coach, Bobby Renneisen, plans to build a successful team and program. “Three things the we focus on: being really fit, being really organized and having great team spirit.” Renneisen said.

Bringing these aspects to the field, they are hoping for better results in the games to come.
The Women’s Soccer team’s next game is at CSUSM, Friday Sept. 30 at 12:30 p.m. against Humboldt State.