Orange County College Soccer Spotlight:  Coach Scott Juniper on UC Irvine's Record Breaking Season 

UCI's Women's Soccer Report by Head Coach Scott Juniper:  Soccer Success

 

November 20, 2010: UC Irvine 0, Washington 1 (2OT)

UC Irvine Anteaters Women's Soccer Danielle de Seriere had nine saves as UCI Anteaters battled the Washington Huskies into double overtime. Washington won 1-0.

"Our historic, record-breaking season came to an end last Saturday night as we lost only our third game of the season in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.  It was an exciting game in front of a record 1254 fans at Anteater Stadium. Both teams had chances and it was hard fought across every square inch of grass.  Both teams came out in identical formations which set-up individual match ups all over the field.  As the rain came and went the score remained at 0-0 forcing the game into golden-goal overtime which is farther than any Big West team has been in its history. "

"I felt that we looked stronger as the game went on and the team were excited going into the second overtime. They were confident that we could get the all important goal to clinch a spot in the Elite 8.  Soccer can be a cruel sport and with just minutes left on the clock a half chance fell to a Washington player just inside our 18 yard box. She struck it well and it hit the back of the net." 

"I have never felt so helpless for our players as that single moment ended what was a truly memorable season. When a golden goal ends the match there is no time to fight back, no time to adjust the strategy and no time to rally the team.  One goal, one moment, season over. However narrowly, we have to acknowledge that Washington were simply the better team on the night."

"Regardless of the record, regardless of the wins, regardless of the championships, you have to ask yourself if you pursued victory with honor.  There are a lot of accomplishments to talk about but to be able to answer a very big YES to this question is what makes me most proud of what this team has accomplished.  Ultimately, isn’t this a defining measure of success in any endeavor?"

 

2010 Big West Champions and 

2010 NCAA Tournament (Sweet Sixteen)  

UCI Women's soccer. Head Coach: Scott Juniper (Fourth Season)  Assistant Coaches: Peter Boyer (Second Season), Wendi Whitman (First Season). Volunteer Assistant Coach: Collette Swenson (First Season)  Athletic Trainer: Mike Burns Strength & Conditioning Coach: Laura Olvera