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SAN CLEMENTE – Sydney Cooper scored three goals and San Clemente posted its second straight shutout to defeat Long Beach Poly, 3-0, in pool play of the Aliso Cup on Tuesday at San Clemente High.

San Clemente (3-0-1) clinched first place in Pool G and advanced to the Champions Cup Flight quarterfinals on Saturday.

“I thought we came in with a game plan and stuck to the game plan and trying to get all the girls this early in the season on the same page,” San Clemente assistant coach Annie Schlimmer said. “We’ve gotten some early wins, some early confidence, so we’re excited.”

The Tritons put their game plan in motion quickly and got early pressure on Long Beach Poly (0-1-0), named a preseason team to watch in Division 1 by the CIF-SS.

San Clemente broke through in the fourth minute as Cooper received a through ball and put it through on the near side for the 1-0 lead.

“It felt really good,” Cooper said. “I’ve been out for a little while and finally being able to compose myself in front of the goal. … We were doing really well on defense in the first three games, and it was the offense’s job to start scoring.”

Just seven minutes later, Cooper flashed her skills from the right side. The senior put the ball through her defender’s legs, cut to the middle and placed a shot through on the far side for a 2-0 advantage.

“When I’m doing it, I’m not really thinking at all,” Cooper said. “I’m just letting my body take over. I’m just playing.”

San Clemente continued to control the possession into the second half. Cooper put home her third goal of the game in the 58th minute off a flick pass from Amanda Cruz.

“She earned that hat trick,” Schlimmer said. “To get that confidence with her and playing up top and being that core possession leader for us was key.”

The Tritons, who have made their name on defense and goalkeeping in recent years, gave goalkeeper Lauren Bryzkcy a day off. Junior Kelsey Bland donned the gloves and limited Long Beach Poly’s chances.

“The shutout is huge,” Schlimmer said. “Its’ been a huge factor for our back line and confidence.”

It is the second shutout in as many days for San Clemente, which earned a 1-0 win at Diamond Bar in pool play Monday.