| 2026 Big West Women's Soccer Championship Semifinal - No. 2 seed UC San Diego 1, No. 3 seed Cal State Fullerton 0 |
Box Score |
UCSD Presser |
CSF Presser |
Photo Gallery |
Highlights
LA JOLLA, Calif. — A first-half goal and a six-save shutout sent No. 2 seed UC San Diego (11-4-6, 7-1-3) into its first Big West Women's Soccer Championship final, as the Tritons defeated No. 3 seed Cal State Fullerton, 1-0, on Saturday at Triton Soccer Stadium.
Lana Gilligan delivered the decisive finish in the 41st minute, while goalkeeper Charlotte Wilfert recorded three saves in each half to preserve the advantage. The result secured a championship match appearance in UC San Diego's first season of Big West postseason eligibility.
The Tritons created the opening opportunities through Natalie Oca and All-Big West Second Team midfielder Alexis Nguyen, who each registered an attempt in the eighth minute. Ava Tibor followed with a shot toward the bottom-right corner in the 14th minute, forcing Titan goalkeeper Allison Craycroft into an early save.
The Blue and Orange responded with a sustained stretch of pressure, producing five shots between the 14th and 26th minutes. The Triton goalkeeper turned away attempts from Cayla Oliveira, All-Big West Second Team forward Sail Bozinovic, and Sasha Amezcua to keep the match scoreless.
UC San Diego broke through at 40:13, with Kiki Vostermans and Chloe Yates supplying the assists on the match's lone goal. The Titans earned a late corner and generated an attempt from All-Big West First Team defender Kaylin Raibon, but the Tritons took the one-goal lead into halftime. Both sides created opportunities early in the second half.
Defender Jenna Grider sent an attempt high in the 48th minute before CSF answered with a corner kick and two shots. UCSD then put together another attacking stretch, including two attempts on target and additional pressure from corner kicks, but the Titan goalkeeper kept the deficit at one.
UC San Diego advances to face top-seeded Utah Valley in the championship final on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT in Orem, Utah, seeking the program's first Big West Championship title.
Gallery: (11-7-2026) 26 WSOC: No. 2 UCSD vs Nol 3 CSF