San Diego State to Face Crosstown Rival USD in NCAA Tournament
from SDSU Sports Information.
Nov. 10, 1999
Crosstown Rivalry gets Juicy
The San Diego State women's soccer team will not have to go far in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, as the Aztecs (15-6 overall, 5-1 Mountain West Conference) take on crosstown rival San Diego at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at USD's Torero Stadium.
Tickets prices are $7.00 for general admission for adults. USD and SDSU students will be admitted for $5.00 with valid studernt ID. Seniors and children 12 and under will also be admitted for $5.00.
SDSU and USD (15-4 overall, 5-2 West Coast Conference) have met seven times in the past, with the Aztecs holding a 5-1-1 all-time advantage. SDSU hasn't lost to the Toreros since the opening game of the series in 1992. Since then, the Aztecs have gone 5-0-1 against USD, outscoring the Toreros, 15-5 in those contests.
In games played at USD, SDSU owns a 3-1 advantage over the Toreros.
Aztecs in the Post-Season
SDSU is making its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, the Aztecs advanced to the Sweet 16 after handing USC a 1-0 defeat at the SDSU Soccer Field in the round of 32. SDSU was eventually ousted by eventual Final Four participant Portland.
The Aztecs have fared well in the post season in recent years, compiling a 9-3 record in post season games since 1995. In that time, SDSU won two Western Athletic Conference tournament championships and advanced to the final game of the Mountain West Conference tournament.
SDSU vs. the WCC
The Aztecs have compiled a 12-15-3 record all-time against WCC schools, with the most wins coming over San Diego. Nine of SDSU's 11 losses to WCC opposition have come to perennial national powers Santa Clara and Portland.
Last year's loss to Portland in the NCAA Tournament marked the first time the Aztecs played a WCC opponent in the post season.
Cougars Knock off SDSU in MWC Title Game
The Aztecs are coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to BYU in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference tournament.
The Aztecs, who defeated the Cougars, 2-0 earlier in the season, got on the board first when sophomore defender Fay deLeon scored directly off a corner kick in the 19th minute. SDSU fended off several BYU attacks, but a controversial penalty kick awarded to the Cougars tied the game in the 66th minute. A stellar performance from Aztec senior goalkeeper Katherine Judkins kept SDSU in the game, but it wouldn't be enough, as the Cougars went on to win the game on a goal from midfielder Kim Lowe in overtime.
Scouting the Toreros
USD will be without the services of one of their top players for Wednesday's game. Senior midfielder Alison Benoit will be sidelined after getting red-carded in the Toreros' 2-0 loss to Saint Mary's in their last game. NCAA rules dictate that if a player earns a red card, she will not be allowed to play in her team's next game, as is the case for Benoit. Benoit ranks second on the team in goals (9) and points (20).
Senior forward Sufia Wali is USD's top offensive threat, scoring a team-high 11 goals and leading the squad with seven assists. Wali, who joined the Toreros after spending three seasons with the Aztecs, also leads the team with five game-winning goals.
Tinsel Town-Bound
The winner of the SDSU-USD game will travel to Los Angeles to battle UCLA (14-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 Pac 10) next weekend. The Aztecs and Bruins have already met this season, with the Bruins coming into San Diego and handing SDSU a 3-0 loss. UCLA owns a 5-1-1 all-time advantage over the Aztecs and a 3-1-2 mark against the Toreros. In games played in Westwood, the Bruins own a 1-2-1 advantage over SDSU, however, the last time the Aztecs traveled to UCLA, State came out with a 1-0 win last year.
Honors Keep Rolling In for LaCoursiere
SDSU senior forward Lori LaCoursiere earned yet another honor at the Mountain West Conference tournament. LaCoursiere, who was a First-Team All-MWC selection, also earned MWC All-Tournament Team recognition after assisting on all three of the Aztecs' goals against Air Force. On the year, LaCoursiere led the team in goals (11), assists (14), total points (36) and game winning goals (5).
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Chuck Clegg regarding SDSU's opening round draw... "Once we got to a certain level of losses, I knew we weren't going to host, and I knew they were going to match us up with USD based on how close they are geographically. It's going to be great for San Diego soccer and great for the rivalry."
Clegg regarding the BYU game... "Katherine Judkins had one of the great performances of any player ever. It was one of the top five performances I have ever seen, considering the pressure and the constant barrage she was under. BYU was on and they weren't going to be denied no matter what. I think it is a testament to us just to get the game into overtime."
