UCSD Women Win NCAA Regional Soccer Title

Freshman Carrie Peer’s first collegiate goal propelled UC San Diego to a 3-2 upset of No. 3 Cal Lutheran and the NCAA Division III women’s soccer regional championship Sunday at Triton Soccer Stadium.

Peer’s winning goal came on a 20-yard shot from the right side that sailed past Regal goalie Joanne Vanderwall. The goal gave No. 10 UCSD (12-2-2) the lead for good with 24:25 remaining.

“It was one in a million,” said Peer, who was assisted by Kelly Kramer. “I take a few shots, but I never expected to get a goal.”

The Tritons, who also beat Cal Lutheran (17-4) in the 1991 regional final, advance to the NCAA semifinals for the fifth time in the seven-year history of the tournament. UCSD will meet Cortland (N.Y.) State (17-2-1) Saturday at a location to be determined. Cortland State advanced by defeating Trenton State, 1-0.

Peer’s goal was the only one of the second half. It helped snap a 14-game winning streak for Cal Lutheran, which had defeated the Tritons, 2-0, Oct. 9.

“Last game, we sat back and were too casual,” said UCSD Coach Brian McManus. “We let Cal Lutheran control the field. We felt we matched up good with Cal Lutheran, skill-wise. In the end, the fitness got us through.”

UCSD took a 1-0 lead 6:22 into the game on a header by Heather Sears. Cal Lutheran tied the score at 17:28 on Rachel Wackerman’s 20th goal of the season. The Regals took a 2-1 lead at 29:07 when Wackerman drilled a left-foot shot past UCSD goalie Cari Schwartz.

The Tritons tied it, 2-2, at 42:19 when Joanne daLuz, a University of San Diego High graduate, sent a 30-yard shot into the top left corner of the net. Katy Dulock got her second assist of the game and her school-record 16th of the season on the play.