Davis, Calif. — The third fastest goal in program history, paired with a sixth clean sheet for UC Davis this season, carried the Aggies to a 1-0 win over the top-placed Cal Poly Mustangs, 1-0 Thursday evening.
The win boosts UC Davis to 8-6-2 overall, and 4-2-2 in conference matches. Securing all three points tonight, the Aggies have firm possession of third-place in a hotly-contested Big West, with the top two spots being separated by just two points.
A quick start for UC Davis, the challenge of playing a conference heavyweight and rival may have played a factor. Junior goalkeeper
Caeley Goldstein added that, "we came into this game knowing that we had to win this game."
The energy was apparent from the kickoff with
Risa Yamada scoring a brilliant goal that went just over the top of the goalkeeper to give UC Davis a lead just 30 seconds into the contest. Set up initially by
Emma Vane and
Sam Tristan, the Aggie attack had a great pace to their play and were on time with passes which kept the Mustangs on their heels throughout the game.
The goal for Yamada slots in as the third-fastest goal scored in UC Davis history, jumping ahead of current Aggie teammate
Leslie Fregoso, who scored just 40 seconds into a game last season against Sacramento State.
With Yamada providing the offensive output for UC Davis,
Caeley Goldstein and the Aggie backline recorded yet another shutout. Goldstein faced 16 shots, and recorded seven saves to keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard. Relenting pressure from the Mustangs who challenged UC Davis with eight corner attempts, Goldstein responded with her best game all season.
The Aggies controlled the game throughout and while maybe not illustrated in the box score with UC Davis recording zero corner kicks, the Aggies had multiple scoring chances with
Lindsey Porter delivering two near-goals. Her attempt in the 19th minute was probably the Aggies best scoring opportunity outside of Yamada's goal with the ball just bouncing off the left post.
Hear from Goldstein herself as she reflects on tonight's big win:
UP NEXT
The Aggies will play their final regular season home game Sunday, October 22 as the team hosts UC Santa Barbara for a 12:00 p.m. PT kickoff.
