IRVINE, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Soccer opened their 2023 season on the road as they faced off against the Big West Champion UC Irvine Anteaters.
 
It was a positive start for the Gaels as they quickly deployed their aggressive press and physical midfield play. SMC opened the scoring early before the home team rebounded in the second half to score two and claim victory in the season opener. 
 
CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST
The Anteaters were quick to take on the Gaels defense, earning two corners inside the first three minutes. 
 
SMC weren't phased, and answered back with a few minutes of solid offense of their own, quickly counterattacking every time the Anteaters lost possession. 
 
Emily Jensen nearly opened the scoring in the 8^th minute when a cross found her feet right in the middle of the UC Irvine penalty area. She moved the ball to her right foot and let her shot fly, only for her shot to be forcefully denied by the Anteaters goalkeeper.
 
The Gaels kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a gift from the Anteaters defense, as one of their defenders passed the ball back towards the goalkeeper who misread the pass. The ball coasted past the keeper right into the feet of Briana Salvetti's, who easily tapped the ball back into the wide open for an early SMC lead in the 11^th minute. 
 
DEFENSIVE DUTIES
After the untimely mistake, UC Irvine turned up the tempo, eagerly searching for an equalizer. Saint Mary's remained compact, forcing the Anteaters to make uncomfortable passes, turning the ball over. 
 
Makena Carr was all over the left side of the field, making runs past defenders and making tackles as well. Carr was a pivotal piece of the Gaels success in the first half, making all the players around her better.
 
UC Irvine forced some pressure on Taylor Poland's goal from a few corner kicks, but the Gaels defense was able to remain strong and force the ball out of Poland's box. 
 
She was called in action just a few minutes later in the 21^st minute, as Poland stood her ground to make a crucial save with UC Irvine knocking on the door. 
 
Despite Irvine's best efforts, the Gaels made life difficult for the Anteaters, playing a physical brand of soccer and refusing to give UC Irvine any leeway. SMC were able to turn a few takeaways into offensive breaks, but weren't able to find any end product. 
 
SMC made a few subs in the first half, with Kyllie Glock coming in for Kaylee Covert in the 32^nd minute, and Emmie Ennis coming in for Priscilla Ward in the 35^th minute.  
 
The Anteaters nearly equalized right before halftime, but a timely tackle by Jessie Hawes denied UC Irvine the chance to tie the game. 
 
INTENSITY BUILDING
The Anteaters looked to attack the Gaels in the second half with more numbers, but SMC remained composed through the opening minutes of the half trying to weather the Irvine storm. 
 
After a rally of efforts, the Anteaters found their equalizer when a counterattack got the better of Poland. Despite good defending by the Gaels, the referee didn't award SMC the foul and the Anteaters took advantage and scored a low cross and tap in to tie the game in the 53^rd minute.
 
Emily Jensen nearly answered right back for the Gaels, as she made a driving run past Irvine defenders towards the penalty area. She unleashed a powerful right footed shot that forced a stressful save from the Anteaters keeper. 
 
REINFORCEMENTS
Alison Heckman came on for Kaylee Covert in the 60^th minute as the Gaels looked to strengthen up their midfield. 
 
The game turned up a notch the final thirty minutes, as both teams continued their physical battle as the fatigue began to set in. Chances on goal for either side were tough to come by, but as the minutes ticked by cracks begun to show. 
 
Despite their fatigue SMC remained tough, as Alessandra Towle made a crucial slide tackle in the 67^th minute to stop the Anteaters from forcing in a dangerous cross towards Taylor Poland. 
 
After a good spell of possession, the home team broke through in the 72^nd minute, as the Anteaters forced a shot past Poland and off her left goal post, before Irvine were able to grab the rebound and tap home the ball to take the lead. 
 
Saint Mary's did their best to respond and put pressure on the Anteaters, but the home team were able to keep possession and keep the Gaels at arm's length for the final 15 minutes.
 
It was a tough loss for the Gaels to take after playing a physical game and matching the Big West Champions for the majority of the match. They'll turn their focus to the weekend, as they return to campus for their home opener. 
 
NEXT UP
The Gaels will back to Moraga for their season opener as they'll host the Idaho State Bengals on Sunday August 20 at 1 PM.