IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine pulled a out a big win in the Big West Tournament semifinal match defeating UC Davis, 1-0, at Anteater Stadium Thursday night to set up a colossal championship match.
Senior Amanda Hardeman (Laguna Niguel / Santiago Canyon College) scored the lone goal of the match in the 64th minute. CoCo Goodson (Ramona / University of Texas) dribbled up the right side and found Hardeman ahead hitting her with a perfect feed. She maneuvered her way to about 10 yards from the goal and chipped a shot to the keeper's right and in before jumping into Goodson's arms in celebration.
Both squads had chances to get on the board throughout the match. Natalia Ledezma (La Mirada / UCLA) was all alone midway through the first half, but a nice block by Aggie keeper, Maria Magana, kept her out of the net. Zuri Walker (San Diego / Francis Parker HS) would follow shortly after with a header just over the crossbar as UCI (14-3-2, 6-1-1) held the shot advantage, 8-3, going into the scoreless half.
Jennifer Randazzo (San Jose / Presentation HS) was tested in the second half having to punch away a corner kick and facing numerous advances from UC Davis (11-7-1, 4-3-1).
Before Hardeman's goal, Devon Delarosa (San Diego / Rancho Bernardo HS) had the best opportunity as she got a foot on a high cross and lifted it just over the goal.
Goodson added a shot minutes after UCI took the lead. Her free kick, taken about 50 yards away, rocketed inches over the crossbar.
The Aggies continued their pursuit as they held the possession for a good amount of time throughout the second half of the match. Their best chance came in the final 10 minutes as Jenna Brehmer nailed one from about 20 yards, but it careened off the crossbar. The rebound went to Lisa Kemp, but she sent it high.
UCI would run down the clock for the 1-0 win for its fourth straight shutout and sixth in its last seven matches.
Randazzo finished with two saves giving her 70 on the year along with her 14th win and sixth shutout.
Hardeman's goal was her second on the year, both of which have been game-winners.
Goodson earned the assist for her fifth on the year along with point number 11. It was also her fifth point in UCI postseason play dating back to last year tying her for the most career postseason points with Stephanie Rigamat and Tanya Taylor.
UCI is now 5-5 all-time in Big West tournament play and 7-6 in all postseason matches.
Next up for the Anteaters are their rivals, Long Beach State. The 49ers won earlier in the day, 2-0, against Cal State Northridge, to set up the rematch at Anteater Stadium. UCI defeated LBSU, 2-0, in regular season play, and are looking to avenge the loss last year in the Big West tournament final.
The match will be played at 12:00 p.m. on Sun. Nov. 6th at Anteater Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at athletics.tickets@uci.edu.
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