September 24, 2007

Titans show Ags ropes: UC Davis drops its Big West opener

By Conor Tekautz/Enterprise staff writer

When a bunch of friends introduce a new person into their group, they generally try to be nice to that person so he doesn't get scared off.

Unfortunately in sports, the exact opposite mentality is held.

Playing in its first official Big West Conference game in history on Sunday, the UC Davis women's soccer team did not get a warm welcome from Cal State Fullerton. The visiting Titans scored two goals in the first 16 minutes and defeated UCD 2-0 at Aggie Soccer Stadium.

“I think we came out a little flat,” UCD coach MaryClaire Robinson said. “They had two chances, maybe three chances in the first half and they finished two. That changes a game. Then it's really on us to put it in the back of the net.”

In dropping their first home contest of the year, the Aggies (4-4-0, 0-1) never really got their offense going. And even though the Aggies held a 12-11 advantage in shots, it was the Titans who had most of the quality chances at goal.

Just over eight minutes in, Brianna Buffington ran onto a through ball from Kristen Boujos, tipped the ball past UCD goalkeeper Megan Daws and easily put it into the net. Buffington's speed gave UCD fits the entire game.

“It's such a luxury to have a player like Brianna,” Cal State Fullerton coach Demian Brown said. “Any ball forward turns out to be an opportunity for us because of her speed and athleticism. She's definitely a weapon for us.”

In the 16th minute, Lauren Cram doubled the Titan lead when she volleyed in a Geminesse Martinez cross. The Titans almost made it 3-0 right before halftime when Christina Murillo broke through the Aggie defense but Daws saved Murillo's shot.

The best UCD chance came early in the second half when Lauren Huntley picked up a loose ball on the right wing. She fired a low shot from 20 yards out but Fullerton goalkeeper Shayla Sabin was up to the challenge and came up with the save. Huntley's first-time rebound shot went over the top.

By controlling the midfleld, Fullerton (4-3-1) was able to control the tempo and play at a pace more suitable for its team.

Robinson realizes this is something that UCD will have to adjust to if it expects to compete in the Big West.

“They pushed us a little bit with their speed of play and we didn't respond very well,” she said. “If we want to make a dent in the Big West, we're going to have to have a bit of a reality check.”

Even when the Aggies did get the ball deep into Titan territory, they struggled to parlay that into a quality opportunity.

“Until we're able to change our mentality in the attacking third, it will be frustrating for us,” Robinson said. “We had the same issues against Portland State. We had some chances but you've got to put those on frame.”