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.”