Toros Eliminated from NCAA Women's Soccer Playoffs on Penalty Kicks
After double-overtime scoreless match, UC San Diego advances on PK's, 4-3
November 17, 2003

Complete Box Score

LA JOLLA, Calif.—The Cal State Dominguez Hills women's soccer teams season came to an abrupt halt after UC San Diego won a penalty kick shootout, 4-3, Monday night in the NCAA II Far West Regional Championship game.

The game is officially recorded as a 0-0 tie. CSUDH, ranked No. 17 in the last NSCAA/adidas poll, completes its season with a 17-4-2 record, while UC San Diego, ranked No. 3, is now 17-2-1.

Tonight's match featured excellent defense on both sides with UC San Diego having the most chances with a 22-12 shot advantage. CSUDH did have a prime opportunity to take a 1-0 lead midway through the second half on a scramble in front of the Triton goal, but two Toro shots from point-blank range were blocked by UCSD defenders.

"We had some good stretches," said CSUDH Head Coach Joe Flanagan. "It was a well played game by both teams. I am very happy with our performance tonight."

The shootout was not without controversy. With the Toros enjoying a 3-2 advantage, UCSD's Megan Dickey's shot went wide left. CSUDH would have been able to clinch with a make on their next attempt. However, referee Larry Yee ruled that Dickey took the shot prior to him blowing the whistle and allowed her to line up for another attempt, which she converted, tying the shootout 3-3.

In the Toros next attempt, Chantel Eastwood's (Lakewood/Mayfair HS) shot went wide left. UCSD took a 4-3 lead with Megan Mendoza converting the next shot. The Tritons advanced when goalie Alyson Berger made a clutch save to her right on Laci Gruner's (Lakewood/Mayfair HS) shot.

"It was quite a turn of events," said Flanagan. "We went from being a kick away from winning it to losing it."

CSUDH completed its road schedule without a loss, 6-0-2.