San Diego United is back in action this season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Along for the ride are several South Bay products, foremost among them Bonita Vista High School and SDSU alumna Sophia Perez, who has returned to the team as its starting goalkeeper.
Perez, who led Mexico on the field for several seasons before taking a job with Sky Blue of Women’s Professional Soccer last year, is joined by former Metro Conference standouts Melanie DeSalvo (Eastlake HS) and Lisette Martinez (Hilltop HS) on the SD United roster.
SD United is off to a 2-2 start in Western Division play, trailing the division leading Ajax America Women (4-0). SD United is tied with three other teams for second place in the division: LAFC Chelsea, San Diego SeaLions and the Claremont Stars.
SD United hosts the winless PSSCV – The Rooks (0-4) Saturday at 6:30 p.m. before engaging the SeaLions, guided by former Bonita Vista HS standout Jen Lalor, Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Martinez, who also lists time with the Mexican national team on her resume, has one assist so far in four games.
SD United kicked off the season with an impressive 3-0 victory over the SeaLions May 21 at Cathedral Catholic HS. SD United kicked off its home slate at Torero Stadium with a 2-1 victory against LAFC Chelsea on June 6. The team’s 2-0 start has been tempered somewhat by a two-game losing streak that began June 12 with a 3-2 loss at Claremont and a 1-0 loss to Ajax the following day at Torero Stadium.
Returner Stephanie Ochs (USD) leads SD United in scoring with three goals and two assists. Newcomer Beth Lloyd (Central Connecticut State University) ranks second in team scoring with two goals while Mariette Boyce (Portland University) and Leticia Villapando (formerly with Claremont) each have scored one goal. Clio Tragear (CCSU) and Martinez each have one assist.
