University of California Athletics

So, we came into this weekend thinking we were in the playoffs but really wanting at least a split to be sure. That is no small task against UCLA and USC. This is always one of the toughest weekends of the season, and our nagging injuries and tough situation didn't make it any easier. In Friday's UCLA game we lost 2-0. I didn't think that we had nearly the kind of performance we were capable of. UCLA is definitely one of the best teams in the country, but then again so are we.

I think one of the most exciting things about soccer, especially women's college soccer is that anyone can beat anyone on any given day. We have seen first hand that even unranked, unrespected teams are good and are capable of winning if you don't play you're best. Consequently, most games come down to effort and attitude. I thought we lacked those intangibles on Friday.

Sunday was our final regular season game and our seniors final game. It was also against a team that we are not particularly fond of. We had about as much incentive as one could possibly have to play hard and play well. We did play well. The play of our seniors, Pooh, Shannon, Ashley and Kyla was outstanding and beyond that everyone looked ready to play and focused on the game for its entirety. That was no easy task considering the game went to two overtimes.

USC was short a player after a girl got red carded for punching Lucy (Brining). Supposedly the girl is actually very nice. I told Lucy that I sometimes want to punch her in practice because she is such a scrappy, obnoxious and good defender ( I never really would of course). So when she was concerned about her nose after the game I said to think of it as a a symbol of her being such a great defender. I don't think my advice helped much. Anyway in the 118th minute Lo (Schott) scored the game winner. I don't know what I could say about her that I haven't already, so I won't try. This weekend, we open the playoffs against Saint Mary's, and I for one am really excited to try and avenge our loss earlier this season.