Chico State Scores Two Late Goals to Defeat UC San Diego, Advances to Regional Final Against CSUDH
Phillips brothers score both goals in a four-minute span to propel Wildcats to Sunday's match
November 14, 2003

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.- Chico State brothers Jason and Brian Phillips scored a goal apiece in the final seven minutes of the game to defeat UC San Diego, 2-0, in the NCAA Division II Far West Regional Semifinal held at Toro Field on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. With the win, Chico State advances to the Far West Regional Championship game on Sunday against top-seeded CSUDH at 2 PM.

Chico State, ranked No. 10 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, improves to 18-4-1, while UC San Diego ends its season at 11-7-1.

UC San Diego controlled the action in the first half, outshooting Chico State 5-2. The Wildcats, however, came out after halftime a different team.

"We weathered the storm in the first half," said Wildcat Head Coach Mike O'Malley. "Our defense played well, and in the second half we got our rhythm back. It was just a matter of time before we put the ball in the net."

It was scoreless until the 83:27-minute mark when Jason Phillips scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal. After UCSD goalie Jeremy Cookson came out of the box on a through ball down the right side, Chico State forward Chris Wondolowski beat Cookson to the ball, sending it back to Brett Williams. Williams then crossed a pass at the top of the box to Phillips, who took a touch and blasted his shot to the empty near post.

Just a little over four minutes later, Brian Phillips accounted for the final margin by taking a perfectly placed ball from Michael Esser and blasting his shot to the upper far post from the top of the box at 87:29.

Chico State enjoyed a slight edge in shots, 13-12, including an 11-7 margin in the second half. UCSD had an 8-3 advantage on corner kicks.

"That's one committed team," said UC San Diego Head Coach Derek Armstrong. "That team is on a mission and they are so spirited. This Sunday's final will be a great one."

UC San Diego (11-7-1)  0 0 - 0 
Chico State (18-4-1)   0 2 - 2

GOALS -
CSUC: Jason Phillips (Wondolowski/Williams), 83:27; Brian Phillips (Esser/Williams), 87-29.

SAVES - UCSD: Jeremy Cookson - 1; CSUC: Dominic Jakubek - 3.

SHOTS - UCSD 12, CSUC: 13.

FOULS - UCSD 8, CSUC: 8.

CORNERS - UCSD 8, CSUC: 3.

Attendance: 202