The UCSB women’s club soccer team barely lost in a double overtime shootout in the finals of its regional tournament.
The Gauchos advanced to the upcoming national tournament with their second-place finish behind Cal.
Santa Barbara beat Cal in the first match and controlled most of the final match but couldn’t put the finishing touch on an otherwise great game.
“We weren’t able to put the ball away,” Head Coach Todd Heil said.
Fatigue was also an issue as UCSB had played many tough opponents in a lengthy tournament.
“We were just really worn out,” team captain Lindsay Lack said.
Santa Barbara has relied on a strong defense all year but has also had a consistent offensive attack.
“This was the first in 14 games where we have not scored a goal,” Heil said.
Now a well-rested and experienced Gaucho team, with eight returning seniors, looks forward to the upcoming national championship tournament.