Leonti, Allen Lead UCR Over Air Force, 2-0

(Aug. 27, 2006) - UC Riverside scored two goals in the space of two minutes in the late stages to defeat Air Force Academy 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Cadet Soccer Stadium in Colorado. The win is the Highlanders' first of the season as they improve to 1-1-0 while the loss drops the Falcons to 0-2-0.

Air Force had the advantage in the first half, outshooting the Highlanders 10-3 but were held scoreless thanks to senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio. On three occasions, Poggio thwarted Falcon one-on-one opportunities to keep UCR in the game.

The second half was the reverse, as UCR went on the offensive, holding a 10-4 advantage in shots. Still, the breakthrough would not come until the 81:55 mark, when junior forward Jenna Leonti connected off a throw-in from freshman forward Stephanie Hill. Hill's throw from the right sideline bounced over several Air Force defenders and found Leonti charging through the middle of the box to collect the ball about five yards in front of the net. Her shot went under the reach of Falcon goalkeeper Erin Wallace for the Highlanders' first goal of the season. It was also Leonti's 11th goal of her career, giving her sole possession of third place on UCR's career list.

Just under two minutes later, UCR struck again, as senior midfielder Linda Allen scored from 15 yards out at the 83:30 mark to essentially put the match away. Taking a pass from freshman forward Lauren Leonard, Allen shot from the top left corner of the box and curled the ball over Wallace to the far right post.

Poggio finished with four saves, giving her 302 for her career to become just the fourth goalie in Big West Conference history to reach the 300-save mark. Wallace had six saves in the loss.

With the win, the Highlanders improve to 2-0 all-time against the Falcons.

Highlanders Picked Sixth in Big West Preseason Coaches Poll

(August 18, 2006) - UC Riverside has been selected to finish sixth by the coaches in the 2006 Big West Conference Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll, it was announced Friday. The Highlanders received 34 total votes, one behind fifth-place Pacific.

UCR is coming off its most successful season in its five-year history, finishing a program-best second in the Big West and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Highlanders went 11-4-6, including an undefeated 4-0-3 in conference before bowing out on penalty kicks to #19 Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Highlanders return 14 letterwinners and six starters, including 2005 All-Big West team members senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio and senior defender Amber Plumlee.

Long Beach State, who finished third in 2005, is the 2006 preseason favorites, garnering 56 points and three first-place votes. Defending champion Cal State Fullerton was picked second with 48 votes and two first-place votes. UC Santa Barbara gained 42 votes for third with Cal Poly in fourth on 41 points and two first-place votes. Pacific earned the final remaing first place vote. Cal State Northridge (20 points) and UC Irvine (12) round out the poll.

Highlanders Fall in Lightning-Shortened Season Opener

(Aug. 25, 2006) - UC Riverside suffered its first season-opening loss since 2002 as Colorado College shut out the Highlanders 2-0 at Stewart Field in Colorado Springs, CO. The match, whose start was delayed 65 minutes due to lightning, eventually was called due to more inclement weather and darkness with 11:09 remaining in regulation time.

CC freshman Emily Beans celebrated her collegiate debut with a goal and an assist. The Tigers got all the offense they would need on a tally by Jessica Beinlich in the 21st minute of play. After Beans made a pass from the right side that was redirected byLisa Balsama, Beinlich settled the ball just outside the top of the box and lifted her shot inside the far post at 20:38. Beans later took a long pass from sophomore defender Alexa Bannerman and raced in to complete the scoring at 64:06.

CC outshot the Highlanders, 12-5, and UCR forced Tiger goalkeeper Geneva Sills to make just one save. Highlander senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio made two saves to give her 298 for her career.

UCR drops to 0-1 for the first time since 2002 while the Tigers extended their home-field undefeated streak to 14 games (11-0-3) dating back to September 2004.

Highlanders Victorious in Home Opener, 1-0 Over Oregon

(Sept. 1, 2006) - Sophomore forward Tessa Lennala scored the game’s only goal to lift UC Riverside to a 1-0 victory over visiting University of Oregon in the Highlanders’ home opener Friday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. UCR wins its second consecutive match to improve to 2-1-0 while the Ducks fall to 0-2-0.

In a very physical game played in temperatures reaching the mid-90s, Lennala’s strike in the 10th minute proved the decider. After a scramble of headers, junior forward Jenna Leonti headed down to junior midfielder Jill Del Rosario outside the box. Del Rosario looped a pass over the top of the defense, finding Lennala, who deftly controlled the ball with her left foot and turned in one motion to beat her defender. Lennala then slotted a right-footed shot past diving OU goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield to give the Highlanders the lead. It was Lennala’s first goal at UCR after transfering from the University of Miami (Fl.) in January.

It seemed as if the heat got to the Ducks midway through the second half but they found some extra energy in reserve to put the Highlanders on their heels. Oregon outshot UCR 21-15, including 16-6 in the second half, but many were from long-range.

UCR maintained its lead thanks to gritty defense and some outstanding saves from senior goalie Tawny Poggio. She came up big on three occasions, though, stopping a one-on-one from Nicole Garbin in the 77th minute, then a Garbin header, followed by a long-range effort from Danielle Sweeney with three minutes remaining.

Poggio finished the day with 12 saves, the third-highest single-game total in school history and one shy of her school record. It was also her 25th career shutout, leaving her three away from the Big West Conference mark.

The Highlanders had their opportunities to put the game away, as well, but Chatfield was up to the task. Freshman forward Jen Bunch had the clearest chance, gaining a break-away in the 81st minute but Chatfield dove to her left to preserve the 1-0 scoreline. Chatfield ended the game with nine saves.

With the victory, UCR improves to 5-1-0 all-time in its home openers. The Highlanders have not lost their first home game of the season since 2002 and have won four in a row. This was UCR’s first meeting against Oregon and its first match against a Pac-10 school.

UCR Wins Third Straight, Defeats Southern Utah 3-1

(Sept. 3, 2006) - UC Riverside scored three goals in the first half to beat Southern Utah 3-1 Sunday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The victory gives UCR its third consecutive win and completes a perfect two-game homestand as the Highlanders improve to 3-1-0 while dropping the visiting Thunderbirds to 0-4-0.

UCR out-shot Southern Utah 15-5 in the first half and 23-7 for the game, registering the sixth-most shots in a single game in school history. Freshman defender Stephanie Hill got the scoring started in the fifth minute. After constantly pressuring the Thunderbird defense, Highlander junior forward Jenna Leonti fed a ball from the left side through the penalty box to Hill, who slotted the ball into the lower right corner of the goal for her first goal of her career.

The second UCR goal came after another Highlander offensive rush in the 30th minute. Leonti again was involved, providing a pass to freshman forward Heidi Garrett, who took a few steps towards goal before sending a through ball to sophomore forward Tessa Lennala. Lennala banged the right-footed shot past diving SUU goalkeeper Sutton Cherrington into the back of the net. It was Lennala’s team-leading second goal of the season and second in as many games.

Not even two minutes later the Highlanders struck again. Junior forward Heather Miller lobbed a ball over the top of the defense to senior forward Amber Plumlee, who then blasted in a 20-yard right-footed volley off the post for the third Highlander goal of the game. The tally was Plumlee’s first goal of the year.

The UCR defense kept the Southern Utah offensive off the board in the first half as highlander senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio completed the first half shutout by making two saves. The lone Thunderbird goal came in the 58th minute, when Makell Hansen volleyed home a pass from Jill Page to beat sophomore goalie Brittany Goetz. Goetz played the entire second half but did not make a save.

Cherrington stopped four shots for the Thunderbirds before being replaced at halftime by Holly Davis, who made two saves in the second half.

With the victory UCR improves its all time record against Southern Utah to 3-0.

Highlanders Slam Bison, 4-1

(Sept. 8, 2006) - UC Riverside won its fourth consecutive match, defeating the University at Buffalo 4-1 Friday evening in the opening game of the Puma Classic in Irvine, CA. The Highlanders improve to 4-1-0 on the season while dropping the Bison to 2-3-0.

Senior midfielder Linda Allen started the Highlander scoring on a free kick just outside the box at the 12:17 mark. The goal was Allen's second of the season, matching her career-high, and seventh of her career. Junior forward Jenna Leonti followed, scoring on a header off a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Sarah Mohammadi at 33:25. Leonti's goal was also her second of the year and gave her 12 in her career.

In the second half, Leonti was again involved as UCR extended its lead. Sophomore forward Tessa Lennala took a rebound off a Leonti shot and put it in the back of the net at 50:55. Lennala registered her team-leading third goal of the year while Leonti's assist tied her career high of four in a single season.

UCR was dealt a double blow in the 58th minute. Buffalo's Jessica Roesch crossed to Cheyra Bell, who knocked in a consolation goal for the Bison. UCR senior goalie Tawny Poggio, who had one save to that point, was injured on the play and was forced to leave the game. Sophomore Brittany Goetz finished up in goal.

Junior forward Heather Miller capped the Highlander scoring at 87:11 with a goal in the left corner off a pass in the box from sophomore midfielder Stacie Anderson. It was Miller's first goal for the Highlanders.

Holness Goal Lifts UCR to Puma Classic Title

(Sept. 10, 2006) - UC Riverside closed out the Puma Classic with a 1-0 victory over San Diego State Sunday morning at Irvine. The Highlanders win their fifth straight to improve to 5-1-0 while the Aztecs fall to 3-3-0.

UCR got all the offense it would need on a 30-yard strike from sophomore midfielder Loana Holness (Moreno Valley, CA) in the 51st minute. Holness took a pass from senior midfielder Linda Allen (Wildomar, CA) and blasted it past SDSU goalkeeper Cat Burson for her first career goal.

Despite owning a 13-5 shot advantage, including 7-2 in the second half, and 5-3 lead in corner kicks, SDSU was unable to find the back of the net thanks to seven saves from UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA). After leaving Friday's match due to injury, Poggio returned to record her third shutout of the season. Burson made one save in the losing effort.

The Highlanders win the Puma Classic with 12 points to claim their first tournament trophy of the season. Freshman defender Letty Villalapando (Moreno Valley, CA) was named the tournament Most Valuable Player. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA), senior defender Shayna Hufford (Alta Loma, CA), Allen and sophomore defender Kristen Williams (Roseville, CA). Jen Mello and Lauren Leslie of San Diego State also made the All-Puma Classic Team.

The win is UCR's first over the Aztecs since 2003 and just the Highlanders' second against SDSU in five meetings.

Highlander Winning Streak Snapped at Five Games

(Sept. 17, 2006) - Creighton University’s Kyla Hoskins scored 4:14 into overtime to lift the visiting Blue Jays to a 2-1 victory over UC Riverside on Sunday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The loss snaps the Highlanders’ five-game winning streak to drop them to 5-2-0 while Creighton improves to 4-4-1.

In a matchup of 2005 NCAA Tournament participants who had never faced each other, Hoskins’ opportune winner proved the difference. Jordan Bruch had attempted a 30-yard shot that was parried by UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA). Hoskins reacted to the rebound first, sending another shot at Poggio that was blocked. As the ball lay near Poggio, Hoskins beat the goalie to poke it into the net from five yards out.

Creighton had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Emily Munn directed in a corner kick. The Highlanders responded at 35:14 through a well-worked build up. Freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA) found sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) with a pass in the center of the field. Lennala controlled the aerial ball and lobbed a pass over the Blue Jay backline to an on-running Letty Villalpando (Moreno Valley, CA). The freshman defender beat Creighton goalie Valerie Zimmerer with a one-touch shot for her first career goal.

The equalizer seemed to awaken the Highlanders, who began the second half with a flurry of offensive forays. Just two minutes into the second half, Villalpando worked a one-two with Lennala and found herself open in the penalty box but Zimmerer produced a kick-save to deny the Mexican Under-20 National Team player. In the 61st minute, Lennala herself had a pair of chances, but was denied by Zimmerer on both the initial shot and the follow-up. Lennala had another chance in the 81st minute but her side-volley from 12 yards went high.

Creighton held a 24-12 advantage in shots but most hardly troubled Poggio, who made 10 saves on the day. CU saw a shot by Sam Russell skim off the crossbar in the 46th minute. Poggio also produced a fine save at the beginning of overtime, tipping over a long-range attempt by Marcy Gans. Zimmerer stopped five shots for the Blue Jays.

This was the second time this season that Poggio recorded double digit saves and her total of ten gives her 334 for her career, passing Kim McCaskey for third place all-time in the Big West Conference. Poggio needs 21 saves to reach second place and 33 to become the conference’s all-time leader.

It was the Highlanders’ first overtime match of the season and first loss in extra time since October 15, 2004. For the Blue Jays, this was their third overtime match of the year and they improve to 1-1-1.

Highlanders Upset #22 Fresno State, 1-0 in Overtime

(Sept. 22, 2006) - UC Riverside freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA) scored the game's only goal 28 seconds into the second overtime as the Highlanders upended #22 Fresno State 1-0 Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. UCR improves to 6-2-0 while the Bulldogs fall to 6-3-1.

After a scoreless first 100 minutes, a midfield turnover got the ball to Garrett, who took a shot that was blocked by the Fresno State defense. It came clear to Garrett and her follow-up from 20 yards cleared Fresno State goalkeeper Angie Larsen. It was Garrett's first career goal.

Both teams moved quickly through a slow first period, as the teams combined for just four shots in the first half. UC Riverside came out quickly and got the first two shots, as sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) took the first of her five shots on the evening in the third minute and a second shot by freshman defender Letty Villalpando (Moreno Valley, CA) went wide after a Highlander corner kick.

The Bulldogs came close in the first half as a Rochelle Jagdeo header went just high of the net off a free kick. UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) came to the rescue, stuffing an attempt from Chelsea Davis to close the half.

UCR had an 11-10 advantage in shots but forced Larsen into only one save. Poggio stopped five shots for the Highlanders for her fourth shutout of the season and 25th of her career, moving her three shutouts closer to the Big West Conference record.

The Highlanders remained undefeated against the Bulldogs, improving to 2-0-1 all-time against FSU.

Highlanders Beat Spartans 2-1 for Second Straight Win

Box Score

(Sept. 24, 2006) - UC Riverside freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA) scored her second game-winner in as many games to lift the Highlanders to a 2-1 victory over San Jose State Sunday afternoon at Spartan Stadium. UCR wins its second straight to improve to 7-2-0 while the Spartans fall to 3-6-1.

Junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA) got the Highlanders off to the perfect start, scoring just 1:58 into the game. Garrett started the move, crossing from the right, where Leonti met it at the near post to put UCR up 1-0. It was Leonti's third goal of the season and 13th of her career.

SJSU struck back in the 27th minute as Kristin Krale turned in a cross from Jennifer Guadagnolo at the far post.

Garrett gave the lead back to UCR at 49:24. She found herself in the clear off a feed from sophomore forward Stacie Anderson (Folsom, CA) but her initial shot was saved by Spartan goalkeeper Marissa Dayton. Garrett pounced on the rebound for her second career goal and second of the weekend, after netting the only goal in Friday's 1-0 double overtime upset of #22 Fresno State.

UCR was outshot 23-13 but got a tremendous effort from senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA), who stopped ten shots. It was Poggio's third double-digit save game of the season. She now has 347 career saves, leaving her eight shy of the #2 spot on the Big West list and 19 away from the top spot. Dayton made five saves for SJSU.

The victory gave UCR Head Coach Veronica O'Brien 99 career wins.

Garrett Gains Award Recognition as UCR Earns Regional Ranking

(Sept. 25, 2006) - UC Riverside freshman forward Heidi Garrett has been selected the Big West Conference’s Women’s Soccer Player of the Week for September 18-24, the conference office announced Monday. Garrett was also included in the Soccerbuzz.com Elite Team of the Week and the Soccertimes.com Honor Roll while the Highlanders earned their first regional ranking of the season, #15 by Soccerbuzz.com.

Garrett (Riverside, CA/Martin Luther King HS) netted the game-winners in both of the Highlanders’ victories last week. On Friday at Fresno State, Garrett broke a scoreless tie with her first career goal in the game’s second overtime period as UCR upset the 22nd-ranked Bulldogs. She followed up that effort on Sunday, assisting on the opening goal and scoring the game-winner as UCR defeated San Jose State 2-1.

Garrett’s two goals and assist moved her to seven points on the year, third on the Highlander squad. She becomes the first UCR player to be named the conference’s Player of the Week since Renee Scachetti won the award for October 3-9, 2005. Garrett is also the first UCR freshman to garner the honor since Jenna Leonti in 2004. This is Garrett's first Player of the Week award.

Garrett was also named to two national honor rolls, earning a spot on the Soccerbuzz.com Elite Team of the Week and Soccertimes.com's Honor Roll. She is the first Highlander to be honored on Soccerbuzz.com's list since Renee Scachetti for September 28-October 4, 2005.

Soccerbuzz.com also included the Highlanders in their regional rankings for the first time this season. UCR, which was regionally ranked for four weeks last season, moved into the #15 spot in the West Region in the latest poll.

Highlanders Fall to Lions 3-0

(Sept. 28, 2006) - UC Riverside was defeated 3-0 by visiting Loyola Marymount Thursday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders see their two-game winning streak come to an end to drop to 7-3-0 while the Lions win their third straight to improve to 6-1-2.

LMU controlled the play in the first half, hitting the crossbar twice. They would get the opening goal at 25:10 on an outstanding solo effort from Katrina Chong. Chong picked up the ball in her own half and eluded two UCR defenders to have a breakaway. She held off the recovering Highlander defenders to slot the ball past UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA).

UCR had its best chance in the 61st minute as junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA) hit a half-volley from 20 yards that beat LMU keeper Joslyn Slovek but caromed back off the underside of the crossbar.

Poggio came to the rescue in the 66th minute, stopping a point-blank header from Tana Smothermon off a corner kick. LMU got an insurance goal in the 71st minute off a corner kick. After a series of headers, the ball fell to Lacey Bertels, whose right-footed volley from 12 yards found its way between Poggio and a defender.

LMU added its third goal on a counterattack two minutes later. Lacey Bartels provided the penetrating pass to Chong, who stepped around Poggio for her second goal of the game.

The Lions held a 17-6 shot advantage but Poggio made seven saves in the game to give her 354 for her career, one shy of the second spot on the Big West Conference career list. Slovek stopped one shot for the Lions.

Titans Score in Second OT to Defeat Highlanders

(Oct. 1, 2006) - Cal State Fullerton's Brianna Buffington scored with 2:08 remaining in the second overtime to defeat UC Riverside 1-0 in the teams' Big West Conference opener on Sunday night at Fullerton's Titan Stadium. The Highlanders drop their second straight game to fall to 7-4-0, 0-1-0 on the season while the Titans improve to 5-5-1, 1-0-0.

In a rematch of last season's Big West Tournament final, Buffington followed up a UCR clearance and found the upper right corner of the net. It was the junior's third goal of the season and the first goal scored by the Titans against the Highlanders in a regular season match dating back to the 2001 season.

Junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA) had the Highlanders' best chance in the first half as her open header in the 27th minute from inside five yards just missed the right post.

The Titans, who outshot the Highlanders 14-9 on the evening, had two chances to win the match in the waining seconds of both regulation and the first overtime period. The first came with 19 seconds remaining on the clock in the second half off a cross by Mandy Puffinberger that was headed toward the line by Candice Byler. UC Riverside sophomore defender Kristen Williams (Roseville, CA), however, was in the right place at the right time, preventing the goal by volleying the ball off the line and away from danger as time expired. The second chance came just a minute into the first overtime as Kristen Boujos' shot off another corner skirted past the defense, just missing the far right post, keeping the match scoreless.

UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) passed another milestone, albeit in a losing cause. Poggio made four saves on the night, moving her past Mary Gleason (UCSB - 1998-2001) for second place on the Big West career saves list. Her 358 career stops are eight shy of Megan Pickering's conference record of 366.

Fullerton goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made five saves in notching her fourth shutout of the season.

The loss was the first for UCR in a regular season Big West game since October 15, 2004, snapping a 12-game unbeaten run. Even so, the Highlanders have not lost a Big West game in regulation since October 20, 2003. It was also the Highlanders' first loss in a conference opener since 2001.

Highlanders Drop Third Straight, 2-1 at CSUN

(Oct. 6, 2006) - Cal State Northridge handed UC Riverside its third consecutive loss, beating the Highlanders 2-1 in a Big West Conference match Friday afternoon at Matador Field in Northridge, CA. The Highlanders fall to 7-5-0, 0-2-0 on the season while the Matadors improve to 8-5-0, 2-1-0.

The last five meetings between the Matadors and Highlanders had come down to a single goal and this one would be full of the same drama. CSUN scored on its first offensive foray, at 11:05. Devon Nizich sent a corner into the box from the left side to the head of Susie Mischenko. Mischenko's header found Sara Davis, who flicked it on to Nalena Betancourt. Betancourt buried the pass into the right corner for her first goal of the season.

The teams traded shots with both goalkeepers equal to the task until sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) pulled UCR level. Taking possession 35 yards from the goal on the left side, Lennala arched her shot over CSUN goalie April Cline for her first goal in six games. It was Lennala's team-leading fourth goal of the season and UCR's first goal in three games after two consecutive shutouts.

After recording only four shots in the first 45 minutes, the Matadors came out on the offensive in the first 15 minutes of the second half, recording seven of the first eight shots of the half. Northridge would get its game-winner in the 71st minute. Davis again was the provider, crossing a ball from the left wing to the middle of the box. The pass found the head of Kristal Phillips, who knocked it past senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) from six yards out for her sixth of the season at 70:37.

The Highlanders' best chance to get the equalizer came in the 84th minute but junior forward Jenna Leonti's (Corona, CA) shot from 30 yards out just missed the left post.

The Matadors outshot the Highlanders 13-7 for the match to remain a perfect 4-0 at home this season and draw the all-time series level at three wins apiece. Cline made one save in goal, while Poggio stopped four shots for the Highlanders. She closed the gap on the Big West career saves record and is now four saves from tying the record. Poggio gave way to Brittany Goetz in the 84th minute but Goetz did not face a shot.

Overtime Jinx Downs UCR, 2-1 in 2OT

(Oct. 8, 2006) - Senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio broke the Big West Conference's record for career saves but overtime continued its vendetta against UC Riverside as Pacific scored in the second extra period for a 2-1 victory Sunday afternoon in a Big West Conference match at Amos Alonzo Stagg Memorial Stadium in Stockton, CA. The Highlanders remain winless in conference play, dropping their fourth consecutive match to fall to 7-6-0, 0-3-0 while the Tigers improve to 9-3-1, 1-2-0.

For the fourth time in six all-time meetings, including all three meetings in Stockton, the Highlanders and Tigers found themselves playing bonus soccer. Pacific freshman Lydia Jackson provided the game-winner with her first career goal at 104:22. Carmen Padilla crossed from the right to Jackson, whose header beat Poggio to give the Tigers their first win of Big West play.

The loss put a damper on Poggio's record-setting day. The senior from Santa Ana, CA, made nine saves to become the Big West Conference's all-time saves leader. After tying the record with her 366th career save at 80:12, Poggio stopped back-to-back shots seven minutes later to move her past former Pacific goalie Megan Pickering (1999-2002) for the number one spot. She now sits on 371 career saves.

After a scoreless first half, senior forward Amber Plumlee (La Habra, CA) gave UCR the perfect start to the second half, scoring at the 46:08 mark. Sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) recorded the assist on the play as her initial shot was saved by Jaime Souza, only for Plumlee to follow up. It was Plumlee's second goal of the season and 10th of her career, moving her into a tie for fourth on UCR's all-time list.

Just 39 seconds later, at 46:50, Mandi Van Dorn pulled Pacific level. She took a pass from Kelsey Nagel and chipped Poggio for her sixth goal of the season.

Both teams had opportunities in the first overtime period. Lennala barely blazed a shot over the cross bar just before Pacific's Bunny Dixon sent her shot wide after penetrating the Highlander defense. Just before the intermission, Poggio pulled off a clutch save after UCR gifted the ball to Van Dorn.

The physical game featured a combined 40 fouls and Pacific outshot UCR 23-11. Souza finished with five saves.

In 2004 and 2005, UCR played 12 matches that required overtime, pulling out ties on 10 occasions. This season, however, the Highlanders are 1-3-0 in extra time.

After four consecutive losses, UCR Head Coach Veronica O'Brien has to wait another five days for her next shot at 100 career victories.

UCR, Cal Poly Battle to 1-1 Tie

(Oct. 13, 2006) - UC Riverside gained its first Big West Conference point of the season, tying Cal Poly 1-1 on Friday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders snap a four-game losing streak to move to 7-6-1, 0-3-1, while the Mustangs go to 7-5-2, 1-0-2.

Cal Poly had the game’s first opportunity in the seventh minute as Heidi McQuitty headed a long throw but UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) positioned herself well for the save. UCR scored on the ensuing attack thanks to some confusion by the Mustang defense. Goalkeeper Alli Tramel came off her line to claim a pass but her defender got in the way. The ball skirted out to junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA), whose left-footed shot found the net at 7:45. It was Leonti’s fourth goal of the season and 14th of her career, moving her into a tie for second place on the UCR career list.

Cal Poly sent a few attacks down the right, which is how they equalized in the 27th minute. Melissa Woo got to the endline on the right, sending a cross into the penalty area, where Kelsey Carroll connected on a header that looped over Poggio.

UCR came out of the halftime break looking to push forward, sending numerous attacks at the Mustang defense. Sophomore forward Tessa Lennela (Temecula, CA) had three chances in the span of 90 seconds to give the Highlanders the lead. In the 66th minute, she got around the back of the Cal Poly defense and was clear through. Tramel smothered Lennala’s initial attempt and the sophomore’s second shot was blocked off the line by a recovering defender. A minute later, Lennala hit a side volley on the spin from six yards that went just over the bar.

Each team had one chance to seal the game in the final minutes of the second overtime period. On a breakaway, UCR pushed players forward and Lennala served the ball through to sophomore forward Stacie Anderson (Folsom, CA). Anderson had time to settle the ball inside the penalty area but fired her shot wide of the goal. In the dying seconds, Cal Poly’s Ashley Vallis found herself open in the box but Poggio pulled off the final of her six saves to keep the score tied.

Cal Poly held a 19-15 shot advantage and had six corner kicks to UCR’s five. Tramel made three saves for the visitors.

Head Coach Veronica O'Brien remains in search of her 100th career victory, as she has been sitting on 99 since September 24.

UC Santa Barbara Defeats UCR 3-0

(Oct. 15, 2006) - UC Riverside suffered a 3-0 defeat to visiting UC Santa Barbara in front of 358 fans in a Big West Conference match on Sunday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders drop to 7-7-1, 0-4-1, while the Gauchos improve to 5-6-4, 3-1-0.

The game was closer than the scoreline indicated as UCR outshot UCSB 16-10 but was continuously repelled by Gaucho goalkeeper Katie Wright, who made 12 saves on the day. In the first half, UCR had three clear chances, all denied by Wright. In the 23rd minute, junior midfielder Jill Del Rosario (Moreno Valley, CA) connected on a diving header off a corner kick but it went straight into the arms of Wright. Another corner kick in the 29th minute allowed freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA) to rise above everyone and power a header towards goal but again Wright was positioned for the save. A minute later, Garrett forced Wright to dive to her right to keep out her attempt from 15 yards.

The Gauchos got their opening goal five minutes from halftime against the run of play. Sami Svrcek was sent through and was brought down on the edge of the penalty area. On the ensuing free kick, Kandice Mclaughlin blasted a shot into the right corner for a 1-0 lead.

UCR had many of the better chances in the second half, as well. In the 56th minute, senior defender Shayna Hufford (Alta Loma, CA) beat Wright with a powerful left-footed shot but Rachael Ritchey was there on the goal line to head the ball away. Five minutes later, sophomore defender Kristen Williams (Roseville, CA) found herself open on the right side of the six-yard box but her volley skimmed over the bar.

With the Highlanders pushing forward for the equalizer, UCSB scored twice in the final nine minutes off of counterattacks. In the 82nd minute, Svrcek played through Chandi Bickford, who had beaten the UCR offside trap. Bickford cut the ball back into the penalty area for Allie Kuehny, whose short-range shot found the roof of the net. Then, in the dying seconds, Genelle Ives was brought down on a breakaway by Hufford, resulting in a penalty kick for Ives and a red card for Hufford. Ives stepped up and slotted home into the lower left corner to complete the scoring.

UCR senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) stopped three shots on the day.

UCR's 3-0 Victory Over UCI Gives O'Brien Career Win #100

(Oct. 20, 2006) - UC Riverside head coach Veronica O’Brien recorded her 100th career victory as the Highlanders defeated visiting UC Irvine 3-0 in a Big West Conference match Friday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. UCR snaps its string of six matches without a victory to improve to 8-7-1, 1-4-1, while the Anteaters fall to 3-11-1, 0-5-0.

In a matchup of teams looking for their first Big West Conference win, the first half offered few chances for either side. UCR out-shot UCI 6-4 in the opening 45 minutes but Anteater goalkeeper Erin Henry came through with four saves to keep the scoreline at zeroes.

The Highlanders wasted no time in turning around a drab first half, scoring 30 seconds after the second half kicked off. Freshman midfielder Jessica Almendarez (Fallbrook, CA) sent in a cross from the right side that skirted through a few players. A UCI defender turned to kick it away but sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) got her foot to the clearance, redirecting it into the goal. It was Lennala’s fifth goal of the season.

Spurred on by breaking the deadlock, UCR had many more opportunities to score, outshooting UCI 10-2 in the second half. In the 61st minute, senior defender Amber Plumlee (La Habra, CA) laced a 30-yard free kick but Henry angled herself well for the save. Two minutes later, junior forward Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA) went aerial for a diving header off a Plumlee cross but pushed it just wide. In the 70th minute, freshman defender Letty Villalpando (Moreno Valley, CA) was sent through on a one-on-one opportunity but again Henry came up with the stop.

UCR would get its second goal on a well-worked one-two between Leonti and freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA). Leonti collected the ball 40 yards from goal and fed Garrett, who sent a one-touch ball past the defense to Leonti, who had continued her run. Leonti took a touch and then fired into the top right corner. The goal was Leonti’s fifth of the season, tying her with Lennala for the team lead. It was also the 15th of her career, moving her past Vanessa Chanez (2002-05) for sole possession of second place on the UCR all-time list. She also moved past Chanez into second place on the UCR points list, recording her 40th career point on the goal.

As the game wound down, both teams had shots cleared off the line. In the 84th minute, UCI’s Kim Horn got to a header that looked to be going in until Plumlee arrived to head it off the line. Two minutes later, UCR freshman forward Ashley Parks (Etiwanda, CA) watched as her header was headed away by an Irvine defender.

UCR completed the scoring in the 89th minute. Freshman forward Denise Thomas (San Bernardino, CA) found herself in a one-on-one situation but pushed her attempt just wide of the left post. Off the ensuing goal kick, Thomas controlled the ball and threaded a pass through to Parks, who ran on to it and avoided an on-rushing Henry to slot home for her first career goal.

UCR held a 16-6 shot advantage and had four corner kicks to UCI’s one. Henry made eight saves for UCI while Goetz was not pressured into any saves in registering her second career shutout.

The day belonged to O’Brien, however, who had recorded her 99th career victory on September 24 at San Jose State and then had to wait seven games for the next one. The only coach in the six-year history of UCR’s women’s soccer program, O’Brien now has a career record of 100-88-22, including a 58-40-15 mark with the Highlanders.

The Highlanders close out their home schedule next Thursday, September 26, in a non-conference game against UC Davis at 1 p.m. Prior to the match, UCR will hold Senior Day ceremonies in which it will honor the Highlanders’ five graduating seniors.

UCR Gives Seniors 2-0 Victory in Home Finale

(Oct. 26, 2006) - On Senior Day at UC Riverside, a pair of freshmen scored the goals to defeat visiting UC Davis 2-0 Thursday afternoon in a non-conference match at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders win their second straight game to improve to 9-7-1 overall and drop the Aggies to 8-6-2.

Prior to the start of the match, UCR honored its five seniors in their final home game but UC Davis started with a determination to ruin the celebration. The Aggies recorded the first five shots of the game and could have taken the lead if not for senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) and the woodwork. In the third minute, Marisa Boge took a long-range shot that Poggio stretched to tip over the crossbar. Katie Snyder then curled a 30-yard free kick in the seventh minute that beat Poggio but bounced back off the bar. The follow-up by Annie McAllister was straight at Poggio. Snyder had another free kick turned over by Poggio in the 31st minute.

After weathering the opening onslaught, UCR settled down and created some chances of its own. In the 36th minute, sophomore forward Tessa Lennala (Temecula, CA) latched on to a long cross but her shot was cleared off the line by a defender.

The Highlanders broke the deadlock just before halftime through the hustle of senior midfielder Linda Allen (Wildomar, CA). Allen charged down a loose ball in the middle of the field and flickered her pass through the defense. Freshman forward Denise Thomas (San Bernardino, CA) beat her defender in a foot race and chipped the ball over Aggie goalkeeper Heather Finlayson. It was the first goal of Thomas’ collegiate career and the sixth career assist for Allen, moving her into a tie for sixth on the UCR record list.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, UCR put pressure on the Aggie goal and was rewarded with the second goal in the 70th minute. Senior defender Amber Plumlee (La Habra, CA) took a free kick from 40 yards out that Finlayson could not handle. The ball fell to freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA), who hammered home for her third goal of the year.

Plumlee came to the rescue defensively with 10 minutes left as she headed an attempt by Dayna Dumont off the Riverside goalline.

Making the final home appearance of her career, Poggio stopped six shots to increase her Big West record to 386 career saves. She also registered her 26th career shutout, second all-time in the conference.

The victory ensures UCR of its fifth consecutive winning season in six years at the Division I level and a winning record at home for the fifth straight year. In addition to Allen, Plumlee, and Poggio, the Highlanders also honored senior defender Shayna Hufford (Alta Loma, CA) and senior forward Kelly Ferguson (Irvine, CA).

Highlanders Cap Season With 3-0 Win Over Long Beach State

(Oct. 29, 2006) - UC Riverside ending Long Beach State's quest for an undefeated Big West Conference season, blitzing the regular season champions with a 3-0 victory in the regular season finale Sunday afternoon at Long Beach. The Highlanders reach double digits in victories for the fifth straight season, finishing 2006 at 10-7-1 overall, 2-4-1 in the Big West and handing the 49ers their first home loss of the year to drop them to 14-4-1, 5-1-1 Big West.

The teams entered the game with a scoring block against each other, with the last two meetings ending in goalless draws. Long Beach State had not scored on UCR in 427:49 minutes while the Highlanders had not found the 49er net in the last 417:06. The trend continued throughout the first half, as LBSU outshot UCR 6-2 but neither team was able to break the deadlock.

The Highlanders turned the game around with three goals in the span of 16 minutes in the second half. Freshman forward Heidi Garrett (Riverside, CA) opened the scoring in the 50th minute, taking a pass from senior midfielder Linda Allen (Wildomar, CA) and firing home from 12 yards out. It was Garrett's second goal in as many games and the fourth of her career while Allen supplied her third assist of the season and seventh of her career, fifth all-time at UCR.

At 62:53, freshman forward Ashley Parks (Etiwanda, CA) made it 2-0. Garrett started the offensive, dribbling up the right side and crossing to Parks, whose finish from 15 yards beat 49er goalkeeper Liz Ramos. The goal was the second of the year for Parks while Garrett picked up her team-leading fifth assist of the year.

Less than three minutes later, Allen capped her outstanding UCR career, dribbling through the middle of the defense for the Highlanders' third goal of the day. The goal gave Allen her 22nd career point, good enough for sixth on the Highlander career chart.

Senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA) went the distance, making two saves for her 27th career shutout, second on the Big West career chart. She concludes her tenure as the conference's career saves record holder, ending with 388.

The win was the sixth on the road for the Highlanders, tying the program record held by the 2003 and 2004 squads. In addition to handing the 49ers their first home loss of the season, UCR also ended Long Beach State's quest for an undefeated Big West season.

Allen Caps Career With Big West Player of the Week Honor

(Oct. 30, 2006) - UC Riverside senior midfielder Linda Allen has been selected the Big West Conference’s Women’s Soccer Player of the Week for October 23-29, the conference office announced Monday. This is Allen’s first career Player of the Week award.

Allen (Wildomar, CA/Lake Elsinore HS) capped her collegiate career with a goal and two assists in the Highlanders’ two wins last week. In the home finale on Senior Day Thursday, Allen supplied the game-winning goal when she charged down a loose ball and slotted the pass for the first of UCR’s strikes in a 2-0 victory over UC Davis. On Sunday at regular season co-champions Long Beach State, she assisted the first goal and then rounded out the scoring as UCR won 3-0.

Allen saved her best collegiate season for last, registering career-highs of three goals, three assists, and nine points in 18 games. She concludes her career with her eight goals (T-7th), seven assists (6th), 22 points (6th), 75 appearances (6th), and 45 games started (10th) all ranking in the UCR career top-10.

Allen is the second Highlander this season to earn the Big West Conference Player of the Week award, following freshman forward Heidi Garrett for September 19-24.

Highlanders Land School-Record Six on All-Big West Teams, Villalpando co-Freshman of the Year

(Nov. 7, 2006) - Six UC Riverside women’s soccer players earned Big West All-Conference honors, it was announced Tuesday. The six players honored are the most ever by a Highlander squad, topping the four that had been selected in each of the previous three seasons. Sophomore forward Tessa Lennala earned a spot on the second team, freshman defender Letty Villalpano was named co-freshman of the year, and five players were named honorable mention.

Lennala (Temecula, CA) started all 18 games in 2006 for the Highlanders, tying for the team lead with five goals and was third with 12 points. She was also tied for tops on the team with three game-winning goals, including the game-winner against UC Irvine on October 20. Two of her goals came during conference play and she topped the team with five points against Big West opponents. This is Lennala’s first Big West honor after transferring to UCR from the University of Miami (Fl.) last spring.

A member of the Mexican Under-20 National Team, Villalpando (Moreno Valley, CA) enjoyed a solid rookie campaign at UCR. After missing the first two games due to national team duty, she started all 16 matches after her arriving, scoring one goal. She was named the Most Valuable Player of UC Irvine’s Puma Classic (September 8-10) as UCR claimed the tournament title. Villalpando becomes the second Highlander women’s soccer player to be named the conference’s freshman of the year, joining Jenna Leonti in 2004.

Villalpano also received honorable mention recognition as UCR took five of the nine spots on that team. She was joined by senior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA), senior defender Amber Plumlee (La Habra, CA), senior midfielder Linda Allen (Wildomar, CA) and junior midfielder Jenna Leonti (Corona, CA).

Poggio ended her stellar career as the Big West’s all-time leader in career saves with 388 after breaking the record on October 8 at Pacific. In 2006, Poggio made 92 saves, the third-most in a single season at UCR, while posting a goals-against-average of 1.09. She is the program’s career record holder in wins (42), minutes played (6,686:22), goals-against-average (0.86), and shutouts (27). Her shutout total is the second-most in Big West history. The honorable mention placing was Poggio’s second of her career as she earned All-Big West honors for the fourth consecutive season, having earned a place on the second team in 2003 and 2005 and honorable mention in 2004.

Leonti earned her third successive spot on the honorable mention team after leading the Highlanders with 14 points. Leonti tied for the team-high with five goals and was second with four assists, tying her career high. Her 15 goals and 40 points rank second on the UCR career list, with her 10 assists placing her third.

Plumlee completed her career with her second consecutive Big West honor, having earned second team status a year ago. Plumlee started eight of her 15 games in 2006, scoring two goals and adding an assist. She ended her career tied with Leonti for third on the assists list, tied for fourth with 10 goals scored, and fifth in appearances with 74.

Allen capped her collegiate career with her first Big West honor. She started all 18 games in center midfield, scoring three goals with three assists for nine points, all career-highs. She was named the Big West Player of the Week for October 23-29 after scoring a goal and providing two assists in UCR’s final two games. Allen featured on four of UCR’s career top-10 lists, for appearances (75 – fourth), assists (seven- fifth), points (23 – tied for fifth), and goals (eight – tied for seventh).

UCR went 10-7-1 overall, posting its fifth consecutive season of double-digit victories. The Highlanders finished in a tie for sixth in the Big West with a 2-4-1 conference record.

Villalpando Earns Spot on Freshman All-West Region Team

(Dec. 14, 2006) - UC Riverside midfielder Letty Villalpando was named to the Soccerbuzz Magazine Freshman All-West Region team, it was announced Wednesday. Villalpando is the first Highlander women’s soccer player to be named to the freshman all-region team.

A member of the Mexican Under-20 National Team, Villalpando (Moreno Valley, CA/Vista del Lago HS) enjoyed a solid rookie campaign at UCR. After missing the first two games due to national team duty, she started all 16 matches after her arrival, scoring one goal. She was voted the Most Valuable Player of UC Irvine’s Puma Classic (September 8-10) as UCR claimed the tournament title.

At the conclusion of the season, Villalpando was awarded the Big West Conference’s Co-Freshman of the Year, becoming the second Highlander women’s soccer player to earn the honor, joining Jenna Leonti in 2004. Villalpando also earned a spot on the conference’s honorable mention squad.

UCR went 10-7-1 overall in 2006, posting its fifth consecutive season of double-digit victories. The Highlanders finished in a tie for sixth in the Big West with a 2-4-1 conference record.