LA JOLLA, Calif. – It's two wins in the last two games, but more importantly for UC Davis, six points from the last six available - as the Aggies earn the 2-1 win over UC San Diego on Saturday night.
It was two men who weren't picked in the starting 11 who provided the crucial goals to lift the Aggies to their fifth road victory of the season. It took two second-half goals to down the hosts, as
Chase Tanon scored almost directly from the second-half kickoff for the opener and
Kevin Welch netted the first goal of his career for a brilliant second that would prove to be the winner.
UC Davis improves to 7-6-3 (4-3-1 Big West) and earn three extremely important points at the business end of the conference schedule, clinching a spot in the Big West Conference Tournament. With one match left to play the Aggies have 13 points and will look to improve their seeding in the final match of the season with three points still up for grabs.
After a cagey 10 minutes to open the contest, the first game's first scoring chance fell to
Andrew Dutra, who skipped past a couple defenders and dragged his shot just wide of the post.
Jason Hsu sparked the attack when his high pressing and physical presence allowed him to win the ball high up the pitch before picking out Dutra with an incisive pass.
In the 28
th minute, Dutra had another opportunity to open the scoring when
Ryan Dieter delivered a beautiful cross to the back post, but the winger's headed effort was denied by an outstretched arm from the UC San Diego goalkeeper.
The Aggies flipped the switch in the second half and scored right off the kickoff to take full control of the match. A long ball found its way to
Sean Bilter on the right flank who whipped in an inviting cross that was headed away, but only as far as
Chase Tanon, who needed just one touch to smash his volley into the back of net. This was the second goal in as many games for the Lincoln native.
This energized the UC Davis attack which became much more dangerous in the final third. It was a very similar route to the second goal that came less than 10 minutes after the first. This time it was
Keegan Walwyn-Bent creating the opportunity with his low cross that followed his driving run down the left wing. The cross was scuffed by a UCSD defender and
Kevin Welch was quick to pounce on the scene, putting his laces through his powerful attempt, leaving the keeper no chance to save it and doubling the Aggies' advantage.
With just over two minutes left to play, the Big West's leading scorer Inaki Iribarren reached double-digits on the year with his headed goal to pull one back for the hosts. However, it was too little, too late and the Aggies would hold on for the 2-1 victory to snag all three points on the road.
Goals
46' – UC Davis (Tanon)
55' – UC Davis (Welch)
Up Next
The Ags will conclude the regular season with a Senior Night matchup against Causeway rivals Sacramento State on Oct. 28. Kickoff at UC Davis Health Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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