Yokoyama Helps UC Irvine Finish Pacific on High Note

Wendy Yokoyama had specific instructions--in writing--for UC Irvine’s soccer game Friday.

“Coach [Marine] Cano writes us notes before each game and mine today said I had to score or set up a goal,” Yokoyama said.

Yokoyama followed orders, with an overtime goal to break a scoreless tie in the Anteaters’ 2-0 victory over Pacific in the Big West Conference tournament at Cal State Fullerton. Irvine (13-6-2), 5-0-1 in its last six games, plays San Luis Obispo in the championship game Sunday at Fullerton.

Yokoyama, a freshman forward, was somewhat surprised to see what Cano had written Friday. After all, she seemed a very unlikely threat. Yokoyama had played in seven games this season and her two shots Friday doubled her total on the season.

But Yokoyama took a touch pass from Anna Klein and beat goalkeeper Kim McCaskey from 15 yards out in the 94th minute for her first goal this season.

“I write those notes because sometimes I talk too much,” Cano said. “So I put them in their bags. It makes them focused.”

It was left to the Anteaters’ most prolific scorer to clinch the victory. Nicole Bucciarelli controlled a rebound in front of the net, spun and beat McCaskey with a shot into the right corner in the 110th minute. It was her 17th goal of the season and fifth goal in the last three games.

The victory came against a team that had handled the Anteaters earlier this season. Pacific (11-7-2) beat Irvine, 4-1, on Oct. 3.

“We shouldn’t have lost last time,” Bucciarelli said. “We played our worst game of the year that day. This was revenge.”

Irvine had several good chances during regulation. McCaskey had to dive to stop a Bucciarelli shot 20 minutes into the first half. Klein then hit the crossbar seven minutes later.

Goalkeeper Stephanie Boes made nine saves in her ninth shutout.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 3, Cal State Fullerton 0--Patty Teal scored twice for San Luis Obispo (11-9-1).&