The SeaLions got another 6 points this weekend, earning the team a trip to the 2011 WPSL Regional Playoffs for the first time since 2006. On Saturday, the SeaLions shutout the Stars 6-0 on the road in Claremont, CA. They returned home on Sunday to take care of business and get a crucial playoff-clinching 4-1 win over former rivals, Ajax. The team will travel to Northern California in two weeks to battle the top teams in the Pac-North for a spot in the WPSL's Final Four Championship Tournament.
"This weekend proved to be an important one on many levels," said Head Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen. "Not only did we clinch a playoff spot, but more importantly we played well and with class. We scored 10 goals in two games, and only conceded one. We played smart, consistent soccer all weekend. The players have really come together. They believe in each other and in the system in which we play. "
The SeaLions got on the board early on Saturday when UC Irvine standout Judy Christopher drove a powerful shot straight into the back of the net in the 15th minute. Three minutes later, former FC Gold Pride midfielder Rosie Tantillo finished a cross from Ashlin Yahr to make it 2-0 SeaLions. Shay Omahen scored goals three and four in the 23rd and 26th minutes of play. In stoppage time, with seconds remaining, Sarah McTigue received the ball, collected, turned and cracked it in, putting San Diego up 5-0 at halftime. The final goal of the match was converted with seven minutes remaining when SeaLion newcomer Amanda Collins sent a through-ball to Heidi Armstrong who was able to slot it in for the 6-0 finish.
The SeaLions returned home on Sunday to take on former rivals, Ajax. San Diego dominated the play, and attacked the Ajax goal with intensity. Numerous shots were fired, many hitting the crossbar, but nothing was converted in the first half. San Diego opened the floodgates in the 62nd minute with a goal from Ashlin Yahr. In the 65th minute, Judy Christopher got her second point of the weekend. Ajax answered four minutes later, when Bridgette Barden was able to get one past Gunion to put her team on the board. Rosie Tantillo bent one in off a free kick in the 87th minute to put the SeaLions up 3-1, and Yahr sealed the win in the 90th minute giving the SeaLions a 4-1 win over Ajax.
The SeaLions will play one final regular season game at home at Cathedral Catholic High on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. They will travel to Northern California on July 23rd and 24th, to play two matches against the top teams in the Pac-North division of the WPSL for a shot at making it to the Final Four Championship Tournament.
This will be the first trip to the playoffs for San Diego since 2006, when the SeaLions advanced all the way to the WPSL's first Final Four Tournament, in Salt Lake City, UT. SeaLion Head Coach and former U.S. National Team member Jen Lalor-Nielsen led the SeaLions to the Final Four in 2006 as a player. Now in 2011, Lalor has her sights set on making the trip once again, this time at the helm.
