Sudden Goal in Overtime Gives UCSD Women National Title

Karin Lindsay did not use her head during UC San Diego’s semifinal victory Saturday in the NCAA Division III women’s soccer championships and subsequently found herself sitting on the bench at the beginning of the Tritons’ national title match with Ithaca College Sunday afternoon at UCSD.

But when Lindsay finally found herself on the field, she used it smartly.

Lindsay headed in a perfect crossing pass from Teresa Schwaar four minutes into sudden death overtime as UCSD defeated previously unbeaten Ithaca, 3-2.

The victory gave the top-ranked Tritons their first women’s national soccer title--they lost the final, 1-0, in sudden death to William Smith last year--but it wasn’t an easy tournament. UCSD was forced into overtime in all four of its playoff matches and needed as many goals to win the championship as had been needed in the three previous finals combined; each of those ended at 1-0.

“I remember (the ball) coming through the air, but I was expecting it on the ground,” Lindsay said. “I just kept backing up. I kept thinking, ‘This is supposed to be on the ground.’ I thought if I could just get a head on it, not thinking of scoring.”

Lindsay had plenty of time to think at the beginning of the match while sitting on the bench.

“I played so poorly (Saturday),” Lindsay said. “I just wanted to do something good. Everyone dreams of (scoring the winning goal). Everyone thinks of it the night before.

“Sometimes when I start, I get a little lax. When I sit on the bench I get mad because I’m not playing. I don’t get mad at anyone in particular. But I think Coach (Brian McManus) knows that.

Lindsay, a sophomore, became the surprise offensive star in a surprisingly offensive match, scoring twice after managing just three goals in the regular season. The Tritons, who had allowed just two goals all year, allowed two more in fewer than 90 minutes.

The match was expected to be a defensive struggle. In addition to UCSD’s 75-2 season scoring advantage, Ithaca had allowed just six goals.

Ithaca scored first on a nice left-footed shot by Jackie Amidon at 9:48, and the Tritons found themselves trailing for only the second time this season. But they answered at 24:54 on a goal by Katy Dulock, and the teams were tied, 1-1, at the half.

Lindsay put UCSD ahead, 2-1, on a crossing pass by Dulock, who set up the goal with a nifty move on the left side. She faked going up field, spun around and found just enough room to cross the ball to Lindsay at 70:52.

It looked as if that goal would be enough, especially for this Triton defense. But Ithaca (18-1-6) forced overtime when Lise Moore scored with just 7:39 remaining in regulation. Moore’s goal was set up when UCSD goalkeeper Julie Friess and defender Amy Wayte collided in the goal and fell to the ground. The ball rolled to Moore, who easily put in the net.

Neither team could score in 30 minutes of overtime, and the match went to sudden death, setting up Lindsay’s heroics.

“Both teams were capable of scoring,” McManus said. “I’m just glad we saved three for the final.”