LA JOLLA, Calif. - Senior forward Natasha Belak-Berger (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) scored twice Friday to lead the UC San Diego women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory at home over Cal Poly Pomona.
"[Belak-Berger] is in a different class," UCSD head coach Brian McManus said. "Those two goals were made by her runs. The way she put them away, there was no panic. She slotted them away nice and easy."
The Tritons victory combined with Cal State San Bernardino losing in the final two seconds of regulation on the road to Cal State Dominguez Hills resulted in UCSD moving into sole possession of first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association South Division at the end of the evening. The Tritons, leading the pack with 12 points, and Coyotes, holding steady with 10, will meet up in La Jolla for a match on Sunday beginning at 2:30 p.m.
The Broncos of CPP had their attack clicking early on Friday and with about 10 minutes played in the first half, a few solid touches led to a shot from sophomore Britany Garrett from the left side that UCSD senior goalkeeper Jessica McGovern (Reseda, Calif.) made a nice diving stop on to her right side.
The Tritons' offense proved to have the true force in Belak-Berger, who received a stellar through ball from sophomore midfielder Remy Hitt (La Mesa, Calif.) and then placed a line drive to the far corner of the net from 15 yards out in the 29th minute to give UCSD a 1-0 lead.
Belak-Berger struck for her second score just two and a half minutes before halftime, making an impressive crossover move leaving CPP keeper Nakisha Gutierrez on the ground at the right side of the goalmouth. As two Broncos' defenders scrambled to retreat, Belak-Berger placed an arcing shot in between the back line for her second goal of the game and fifth of 2008.
Although the CPP attack missed a few shots just wide right from close range in the second half, the UCSD held strong on defense and didn't allow the Broncos to get back in the match.
McGovern made two saves in net en route to her fourth shutout this year and the 24th of her career.
The Tritons, at 7-1-1 overall and 4-1-0 in CCAA play, are set to take on CSUSB on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The Coyotes stand at 5-2-2 overall and 3-1-1 during conference action.
