'Eaters Dealt Early 3-1 Exit by Gauchos
October 01, 2015 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- A fast start out of the gate paced most of the action, but men's soccer fell on the short end of a 3-1 defeat to UC Santa Barbara Thursday night in Anteater Stadium.
UC Irvine (2-6-2, 0-1) got things going right away with a goal in the third minute. Jaime Phillips and Gerardo Gonzalez gave way to Eduardo Calzada who finished cleaning with a chip over oncoming Gaucho keeper, Justin vom Steeg, to go up 1-0.
UCSB (6-3-1, 1-0) countered in the 10th minute. Geoffrey Acheampong danced near the sideline and found some space to cross a ball in. The cross didn't find anybody, but bounced through and into the net instead to tie the match, 1-1.
The Gauchos quickly jumped on the momentum taking the lead two minutes later as Randy Mendonza put Nick DePuy in on the left side of the box finishing through Michael Breslin for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning strike.
The Anteaters had a golden chance in the 62nd minute as Gonzalez and Mats Bjurman built a fine opportunity for Jaime Phillips wide open on the left wing. His volley careened off the left post and stayed out to keep the deficit at 2-1.
UCSB wrapped things up in the 86th minute from some fine skill shown by Josue España who stole the ball, wove through the defense, and served a lob over Breslin to put the match out of reach at 3-1.
The loss is the first at home for the 'Eaters in five matches. Breslin made three saves, all in the second half, while Vom Steeg stopped four for the Gauchos.
Calzada now has a goal in three consecutive matches while Phillips has put up a point each in that span.
"We dominated most of the game," a dejected Gonzalez felt. "It was three soft goals after we went up 1-0. It brought the team down a little. We tried to get an equalizer all game, but it didn't come. We pushed numbers up late, and they got a good goal."
Gonzalez now has assisted on each of the team's last four goals. "We take every step hard in every game. Today, we didn't do as well as we know we can. We have to have a short memory and focus on Saturday."
The setback can be redeemed on Saturday, Oct. 3 when Cal Poly comes into Anteater Stadium for a 7:00 p.m. match.
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