On a breezy, sunny day the San Diego SeaLions opened their 31st season against first year team ASC San Diego in the Pacific South Division of the WPSL at Mission Bay High School. Their experienced showed as they came away with a 1-0 win.

During the first 10 minutes, the SeaLions, had the better run of play. They were able to capitalize on good interplay between #8, Lili Andino (UC Irvine) who slipped a pass to #13 Cori Deason (Point Loma Nazarene) who took a shot on goal that went back post. #18 Kiera Bocchno (UCSD) then kept the play alive and scored with 9:56 on the clock.

ASC San Diego often relied heavily on distribution from their goalkeeper and looked to target former USWNT player, Natasha Kai, a lot up top. After the opening goal, the possession style that the SeaLions normally play was upset by the physicality and direct play of ASC.

ASC San Diego played a high defensive line which proved to be difficult to solve in the first half. In the second half the SeaLions broke the high line early and had a few good looks at goal, including at shot that hit the post.

Late in the game ASC San Diego put quite a bit of pressure on the defense of the SeaLions, including a very well taken corner kick, but in the end, the score remained 1-0 in the favor of the veteran team.

The SeaLions returned two key players in 2019 to their line up. Defender, Leigh Ann Brown (USD) and midfielder, Rosie Tantillo-Colon (USC) who were both on pregnancy leave last season.

The team now with a win under their belt should look to be confident for their home opener against the winless, Parceiro Ladies. Which will be on Saturday, June 1st at 7:30 pm at Cathedral Catholic High School.