IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine earned their first conference win of the year with a 1-0 victory over the Gauchos of UCSB at Anteater Stadium.
The Anteaters were on the charge from the start. A few early shots went high including a perfect boot from Natalia Ledezma (La Mirada / UCLA) that just cleared the crossbar.
They continued the attack and capitalized in the 20th minute. Cami Privett (Bakersfield / Frontier HS) went streaking down the far sideline and crossed the ball into the box. Lexi Kopf (Sonora / Sonora HS) and a pair of Gauchos fought for the ball. Kopf slid it into the open space and was hammered home by Dana Sanderlin (Upland / Upland HS) into the far corner. For Sanderlin, it was her first of the year and would prove to be a huge score giving UCI the 1-0 lead.
CoCo Goodson added the 'Eaters only other prime scoring opportunity of the first half. Her free kick from about 35 yards out two-hopped on net, but was saved by Gaucho keeper, Makenna Henry.
The score remained 1-0 as the half came to a close.
UCI controlled the second half as it began. The 'Eaters continued to fire shots as Ledezma, Goodson, and Judy Christopher (Ontario / Upland HS) all had good looks at the goal. They kept the ball until the Gauchos picked up the pressure.
UCSB put a few good crosses on including one touch by Allie Ariniello that was swatted aside by a diving Jennifer Randazzo (San Jose / Presentation HS).
971 fans watched the clock wind down for UCI's 1-0 victory putting them at 1-1-1 in the Big West.
Randazzo earned her third shutout of the season finishing with two saves.
Sanderlin's goal gives her five points on the season. It was also her 11th career goal and third game-winner as an Anteater.
Privett and Kopf earned assists, Kopf's first and Privett's second of the year.
The 'Eaters continue conference play Sunday against the Mustangs of Cal Poly. The match begins at 1 p.m. at Anteater Stadium and is about of Think Pink Weekend. All fans that wear pink will receive free admission to the game.
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