Photo
Senior forward Tim Pierce attempts to rocket the ball by SDSU Senior goalkeeper Brian Barnes. Pierce scored 16 seconds into the game, the 5th fastest goal in NCAA history.
Men’s soccer secures 7-0 win over Aztecs
Forward taylor makes a goal 16 seconds into game, pierce scores his first hat trick
By Elizabeth Newman and Ben Peters
DAILY BRUIN CONTRIBUTORS
enewman@media.ucla.edu bpeters@media.ucla.edu
On a Sunday the 7-0 score seemed fitting ... except the sport was soccer.
In the rout, senior forward Tim Pierce had a memorable day, not only scoring his first hat trick as a Bruin, but also creating a new UCLA record in the process. In the 16th second of the game, Pierce struck on a low cross by junior forward Matt Taylor, making his the fastest scored goal in UCLA history and the fifth fastest goal in NCAA history.
“Three goals means a lot,” Pierce said. “I was struggling the last four games to score and today I broke out in a big way.”
The Bruins were anxious to reestablish their dominance after a 2-0 loss to No. 17 Loyola Marymount.
“We didn’t play well last weekend, which was disappointing,” UCLA head coach Tom Fitzgerald said.
“Unfortunately we had to wait seven days to (play) and we took that out on San Diego State.”
In addition to Pierce’s three goals, Matt Taylor also had an exceptional day, contributing two goals.
“It was clicking really well today,” Taylor said. “(Pierce and I) started up top together and we knew that if we got an early goal we could shut out (San Diego’s) chances.”
UCLA’s offense controlled the match, taking 20 shots on goal while San Diego had four. After Pierce’s first goal, Taylor scored the only other goal of the first half with an assist from Pierce.
The second half found the Bruins wreaking havoc on the Aztecs’ defense, with Pierce starting the half by scoring on an assist from sophomore midfielder Mike Enfield.
After senior midfielder Ryan Futagaki entered the game, he immediately assisted Pierce in his third goal of the game and scored with a clear 16-yard shot from the center.
Junior forward Cliff McKinley finished the Bruin scoring frenzy with a goal off an assist from freshman forward Evan Corey.
Fitzgerald was happy with the win, but is also looking to next weekend’s crucial tournament against Top-25 teams Rutgers and St. John’s.
“I’m extremely happy with the performances of all the players today,” said Fitzgerald. “We’re looking to play well and score this many goals next weekend.”
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