POMONA, Calif. ? Cal Poly Pomona's women's soccer team came up short against one of the top teams in the nation. The Broncos allowed two quick goals early in the second half and fell to No. 7 UC San Diego, 3-1, Friday at Kellogg Field. Cal Poly Pomona (7-5-2, 5-4-2) lost for the first time at home this season and dropped its third decision in its last four games.
UC San Diego (11-1-2, 8-1-2) stretched its lead in the California Collegiate Athletic Association South Division and now has 26 points. Cal Poly Pomona is tied for third with Cal State L.A., two points behind Cal State Dominguez Hills.
UC San Diego had a 14-10 advantage in shots, including a 9-1 edge in the second half. Cal Poly Pomona, after falling behind in the first five minutes of the match, controlled play for the remainder of the first half, got the equalizer and then had chances to take the lead, only to get turned away.
UC San Diego goalkeeper Jessica McGovern made five saves for the Tritons, while Amanda Cunningham made four saves for the Broncos.
The Tritons opened the game strongly and had three dangerous chances before finally converting. Kelly Cochran sent a beautiful centering pass to an onrushing Kathy Sepulveda, who buried the shot for her fifth goal of the season.
Cody McClure tied the game for the Broncos with her third goal of the season in the 37th minute. Jessica Horning was able to corral a ball after a scramble in front and get off a shot that McGovern blocked. McClure got to the rebound first, though, and drilled a shot inside the left post.
The Tritons scored two goals in the first 5:23 of the second half to put the game away. Just 52 seconds into the half, Cochran was able to flick in a corner kick by Caitlin Ryan just inside the far post. Then, in the 51st minute, Laura Borenstein blasted in a shot from about 25 yards out over the goalkeeper and into the net.
The sturdy UC San Diego defense took it from there. The Tritons have allowed only nine goals all season.
UCSD continues its road trip with a 12:30 p.m. matchup against Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday afternoon. After that game, the Tritons will return home to host Cal State L.A. and Cal State Bakersfield next weekend.
