FULLERTON, Calif. - The UC Irvine men's soccer team earned a share of the Big West regular-season title with a 1-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton Saturday night at Titan Stadium.
 
"I am very excited for our men on a memorable night," said UCI head coach Yossi Raz. "We entered the night knowing it would be a challenging environment beating Fullerton on their Senior Night, but we stepped up. We had lots of amazing performances, including a massive save from Gordon (Botterill) late on a penalty kick."
 
BIG WEST CHAMPS
The Anteaters (8-7-3, 6-1-2 Big West), who have won four in a row and will head into next week's conference tournament on a seven-match unbeaten streak, secured their second Big West title under Coach Raz.
 
"I'm proud of the organization - coaches, staff and players - for their work throughout the Big West season," added Raz. "It feels great to add another trophy to our cabinet. We will enjoy this accomplishment for two days and then start preparing for our upcoming Big West playoff game."
 
With UCI's win and UC Santa Barbara's loss at CSUN, the two teams finished in a tie atop the league standings with identical 6-1-2 records (20 points). The Gauchos were awarded the tiebreaker based on goals scored in conference play and will be the No. 1 seed. The 'Eaters locked up the No. 2 seed to earn a first-round bye and hosting duties in the semifinals on Nov. 6.
 
FEELING IT OUT
UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton (3-11-3, 1-7-1 Big West) went back-and-forth in the opening half with the Anteaters holding the advantage in shots (6-5) and corner kicks (4-1). Christian Bond-Flasza had the first look of the night with his shot from the top of the box sailing just over the crossbar.
 
The 'Eaters had another opportunity in the 13th minute when Ashish Chattha's attempt in the box was blocked. The rebound went right to Jake Means who had a good look on goal, but CSF's keeper was able to make the diving save.
 
Gordon Botterill was also up to the challenge on the defensive end, finishing with three saves in the first half.
 
SECOND-HALF STRIKE
UCI had the first two shots after the break and converted on the second attempt. At the 61:59 mark, Fullerton tried to play the ball back, but Ryan Khedoo was right there for the takeaway. He made a quick move on the goalkeeper and sent the ball inside the far post for his first goal of the season.  
 
PENALTY STOP
The Anteater defense continued to thwart any Titan threat. Botterill anchored the effort, finishing the evening with six saves. His biggest stop came with just over 11 minutes remaining in regulation. After a penalty kick was awarded to Cal State Fullerton on a foul in the box, Botterill stepped up, diving to his right to stop the shot from Alex Juarez and preserve the 1-0 lead.
 
FINAL SCORE: UC IRVINE 1, CSF 0
Khedoo's goal in the 62nd minute was enough for UC Irvine's fourth-straight win. The 'Eater defense recorded its seventh shutout of the season, while it was Botterill's fifth solo clean sheet. Beto Alvarenga and Francesco Montanile tied for a game high with three shots each.
 
UC Irvine has won two of the last three Big West regular-season championships as it also took home the title in 2018 (the 2020 season was canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic).

The 2021 Big West Tournament kicks off next week with the Anteaters as the No. 2 seed. UCI has a first-round bye and will host the winner of No. 3 Cal Poly and No. 6 UC Riverside in the semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 6.