UCSB Soccer Loses in Semifinals to Irvine
The Gauchos missed several chances to gain complete control of the game and UCSB wound up losing 3-2 in the semifinals of the Big West Conference Tournament.
A penalty shot by Drew Murphy in the very first minute got UCSB off to a good start but they missed three golden scoring chances in the first half. To make matters worse, they gave up a late goal in the half to Matt Tilley and it was tied at one.
Irvine and UCSB exchanged goals early in the second half with Cameron Iwasa scoring for the Anteaters and the Gauchos Axel Mendez responding in the 49th minute to tie it at 2.
But Dennis Martinez’ goal in the 82nd minute proved to be the game-winner.
UCSB now awaits word from the NCAA Selection Committee to see if they will continue their season but many felt that the Gauchos (10-7-3) needed to win this match to be selected. The wait begins.
