Box Score IRVINE, Calif. --- The Bulldogs threw everything at UC Irvine and it worked as they came away with a comeback win, 2-1, Friday afternoon in the initial match of the Oregon State Nike Classic.
Freshman keeper Michael Breslin withstood a barrage from the Bulldogs (3-3-0) who aimed 13 of their 19 attempts on target. Breslin came away with 11 saves, but the two he couldn't corral spelled doom for UCI (3-4-1).
UCI took the initial lead off an own goal directed in from a corner kick in the 27th minute. The 'Eaters took the 1-0 advantage into the half while Breslin held the advantage in saves, 6-2.
Gonzaga continued to pressure and tied up the match in the 52nd minute thanks to Greg Carter who led the Bulldogs with four shots and three on target.
The Bulldogs broke through in the 72nd minute as Nate Pacheco headed home a corner kick.
UCI fought for the final 20 minutes which included yellow cards from Tarek Morad and Enrique Cardenas, but UCI was unable to find a late equalizer like the past two matches.
For Breslin, he becomes the sixth Anteater to record double-digit saves in a match. It is the 15th time in program history it has happened. Andrew Fontein saved 11 last season in a match against Cal State Northridge. It was the only double-digit match of Fontein's career and was the first time it had happened since Cameron Rossi did it twice in 2004.
UCI now takes the daunting task of trying to turn its luck around on national television as it prepares for the Oregon State Beavers on Sunday. The 12:00 p.m. match will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Network as the 'Eaters look to stop their skid of five straight matches without a win.
________________________________________________________________
For UC Irvine Athletics ticket information, please call (949) 824-5000 or e-mail athletics.tickets@uci.edu. For more information click here.
For information on how you can help support UC Irvine Athletics, please call (949) 824-6933 or e-mail aaf@uci.edu. For additional information, click here.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
