MALIBU, Calif. – Leyla McFarland's 10th-minute goal was the difference as the #17 Pepperdine women's soccer team blanked UC San Diego 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Triton Soccer Stadium.
The Waves (2-0) came out firing and put up nine shots in the first 45 minutes compared to the Tritons' (0-2) one shot in the first half. Overall, Pepperdine had 15 shots to UC San Diego's three. Pepperdine has currently outshot its opponents this season 40-5. For the second year in a row, the Waves have opened up the season with back-to-back shutouts.
GOALS
Pepperdine 10': Sophomore midfielder
Tabitha LaParl (Lakewood, Calif./Los Alamitos HS) sent a cross from the left side to sophomore forward
Tori Waldeck (Newhall, Calif./Hart HS) at the far post. Waldeck sent a right-footed shot off the pass, which the UCSD keeper hit off her shin guard for a perfect rebound. Off the rebound, redshirt senior forward
Leyla McFarland (Bonita, Calif./Eastlake HS) gave the ball a right-footed tap into the back of the net. This was McFarland's third goal of the season.
STATS
Shots: Pepperdine 15, UC San Diego 3
Shots on Goal: Pepperdine 6, UC San Diego 2
Saves:
Taylor Rath (Pepperdine) 2, Keara Fitzgerald (UC San Diego) 5
Corner Kicks: Pepperdine 7, UC San Diego 4
Fouls: Pepperdine 9, UC San Diego 11
Offsides: Pepperdine 2, UC San Diego 2
QUOTABLE
Head coach
Tim Ward said: "It was a tough game and opponent today but a good result. I've got to give credit to UCSD and their team defending, especially their goalkeeper. On another day, we could have scored two or three more if not for her excellent play.
"As for us, we're very proud of the ladies for grinding through the process and getting a positive result in our first road game. It's not easy to win on the road in college Division I soccer and it's even more difficult when you don't play your best. So we're proud of the way we stayed composed, managed the game and got over the line. In time, I believe this game will be really helpful in strengthening our program!"
UP NEXT
The Waves will be back at home to host LSU on Thursday, August 25. The match is set for 3 p.m. and will be live on the WCC Network.
