Wong's Golden Goal Keeps No. 5 UCSD Undefeated

October 5, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO - Shelby Wong scored a golden goal in the 93rd minute as the No. 5 UC San Diego women's soccer team rallied to win, 2-1, over San Francisco State in California Collegiate Athletic Association play on Friday afternoon at Kellogg Field.

UCSD improves to 3-0-2 overall and 2-0-1 in CCAA play. The loss marks the first on the season for SFSU, who drops to 3-1-1 overall and 1-1-1 in conference competition.

After the teams battled for 90 minutes with no winner, UCSD came out strong in the first extra period by keeping the ball from SFSU. Wong seized her opportunity along the left sideline, taking-on a defender on the edge of the box. She cut back to the inside, took a pair of dribbles and rocketed a low-driven shot to beat Gator goalie Annicia Jones to the short post.

"When Shelby cut back to the inside I think they were expecting a cross," said UCSD head coach Brian McManus. "But she let it fly and it was an absolutely brilliant goal."

Wong would have never got the chance if it weren't for Cassie Callahan's goal in the 79th minute. Down 1-0, Rachel Leslie broke away from a defender along the left flank and sent in a cross to the short post intended for Callahan. The freshman beat her defender and Jones to the ball, redirecting the service into the back of the net to tie the match.
Callahan's goal marked the second time in two games she scored to tie the match. She also helped UCSD tie Cal State San Bernardino 1-1 last Sunday, scoring in the 50th minute with her team trailing by a goal.

"Rachel came in and played beautifully, I think the same can be said for all of the ladies who came off the bench," said McManus. "(Lindsay) Mills, Kylie (Hill), Britnee (Chesney)- I thought everyone put forth a good effort today."

UCSD controlled much of the first half, but Justine Hernandez batted-in the first goal of the match in the 53rd minute off a poor Triton clearance. The Gators proceeded to play long balls up the field which seemed to give the Triton defense a fit.

"They had us on our heels a bit in the back with long balls over the top and I was a bit surprised by that," said McManus.

However, the Tritons took over the last 20 minutes of the match, imposing their will on the Gators with Callahan and Wong's timely goals.

"It was kind of sloppy," said McManus. "In the end, we'll take it."

UCSD returns to CCAA action on Sunday at Cal Poly Pomona. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m.