Moraga, Calif. – The Saint Mary's Women's Soccer Team notched a 1-0 victory against UC Santa Barbara on Sunday afternoon to improve to 2-0 on the season.
 
Early Offense
The Gaels brought the pressure to the Gauchos early, intercepting passes and forcing Santa Barbara back into their own half. SMC were rewarded for their quick start, as Alison Heckman drove towards the box, forcing a save from the Santa Barbara goalkeeper. With the ball hanging in the air, Emily Jensen swooped in for the header, which narrowly got by the keeper before settling into the back left corner, giving the Gaels ta 1-0 lead just six minutes into the game.
 
Defense On Display
Despite Jensen's early goal, the Gaels were quickly on the back foot, as Santa Barbara maintained offensive pressure throughout the rest of the first half. Although the Gauchos didn't create any clear-cut chances, the Gaels had to play sharp for the remainder of the first half. 
 
Saint Mary's started the second half like they started the first, maintaining possession and keeping the ball out of their own half.
 
As the second half went on however, the Gauchos began to impose themselves on the game, pinning the Gaels back into their own half. Santa Barbara's physical play didn't faze Saint Mary's, even after Taylor Poland was forced to make a tricky save with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Poland's save helped her notch her 12^th clean sheet as a Gael. 
 
Jensen's early goal and a defensive clinic helped seal the 1-0 victory for the Gaels as they continue their perfect start to the season. It was Jensen's sixth career goal as a Gael.
 
Up Next
The Gaels will take on the California Bears on Thursday, August 25 at 4 pm. The Bears lost their first game of the season last Thursday to UC Irvine 1-0.