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No repeat of the “magical” 2000 season was forthcoming for the hosts UC San Diego on Saturday. UCLA ended the first quarter up by a single goal, then methodically pulled away from the game but ultimately undermanned Tritons in a 15-6 NCAA Championship semifinal win. Christiano Mirarchi finished with three goals for the Bruins.
The 2000 Tritons scored perhaps the biggest upset in championship tournament history beating USC in the semifinals. UCLA was never so threatened on Saturday clamping down defensively in the second period, forcing San Diego in to “low percentage” shots, according to Bruin goalkeeper Garett Danner.
Though pleased with his team’s execution, the Bruins were “too strong, too deep,” said Tritons Head Coach Denny Harper. “The best team money can buy,” an oblique reference to UCSD’s non-scholarship roster.
The Tritons “are excited,” said Harper, to play in Sunday’s 1:00PM third place match against the loser of today’s other semifinal.
