UC Irvine
9-7-4, 5-3-1
LMU
8-4-6, 2-3-2
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| LMU | 1 | 3 | 4 |
Anteaters Fall 4-2 in NCAA First Round
November 16, 2023 | Men's Soccer
LMU 4, UC IRVINE 2
- The tone was set with a caution to LMU in the second minute, one of eight total cards between the sides in the match
- Late in the first half the scoring began as the hosts were awarded a penalty kick in the 39th minute. After a lengthy video review to confirm the decision, Ryan Kingsford stepped up for his shot that was saved by Luke Pruter, but the rebound fell right in front of the goal for Kingsford to put home to make it 1-0, LMU, into the half.
- The second half began with the Anteaters putting the pressure on with the first five shots after trailing in that department entering the half, 8-2.
- LMU was next on the scoreboard, however, after a corner kick was whipped in onto Braden Fidelak to head a goal home and go up, 2-0, in the 59th minute
- The Anteaters were not down and out yet responding in the 64th minute. A foul outside the box put Mario Anaya on the ball and he would snipe a fantastic set piece inside the near post upper 90 to claw the 'Eaters to within 2-1.
- UCI continued to push the envelope and were rewarded with a penalty of their own on a foul in the box. Rafael Espinoza stepped up and buried his chance with authority to level the match, 2-2, in the 77th minute
- The already heightened pace and intensity ratcheted up down the final 10 minutes until another set piece lined up for LMU in the 89th minute
- Just outside the box waited Tyger Smalls who sent a ball on frame and into the wall trickling through and inside the near post crossing the line just ahead of Pruter's touch to put LMU back in front, 3-2.
- UCI sent the house in search of another equalizer, but the Lions held the fort which led to an odd-man rush the other way ending with Smalls scoring again around Pruter to go up 4-2 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation
- The full-forced second half attack for UCI put up 15 shots and out-shooting LMU on the night, 17-14
- UCI also turned eight of their shots on frame to LMU with seven as keeper Luke Pruter came up with three stops including a penalty
- The Anteaters goals came from a pair of fifth-year seniors with Anaya putting home his second of the season and third on his career. Espinoza connected for his first this season and second in his Anteater career
- The season ends for the Anteaters with an overall record of 9-7-4 and their seventh NCAA Championship appearance
Game stopped for a VAR review, but PK ruling is upheld after a foul at the edge of the box
— UCI Men's Soccer (@UCImsoc) November 17, 2023
Luke picks up the save on the attempt, but LMU cleans up the rebound for the goal
39' | UC Irvine 0-1 LMU #TWZ #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/dP7NehJiRb
Ags gets up for a big header that's snagged at the last instant
— UCI Men's Soccer (@UCImsoc) November 17, 2023
53' | UCI 0-1 LMU #TWZ #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/1etUcEARpK
Luke sticks the paw out for a massive save #RipEm pic.twitter.com/YRecJqdhjX
— UCI Men's Soccer (@UCImsoc) November 17, 2023
MARIOOOOOO ? Deadeye set piece and we're back in it!!!
— UCI Men's Soccer (@UCImsoc) November 17, 2023
64' | UC Irvine 1-2 LMU #TWZ #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/RscbuoGNxd
NOT DONE YET!!!#NCAASoccer x @UCImsoc pic.twitter.com/Qp9tIzmK89
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 17, 2023
It didn't count but it sure did look nice from Luke
— UCI Men's Soccer (@UCImsoc) November 17, 2023
87' | UCI 2-2 LMU #TWZ #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/TNhNPYxZjn
Team Stats
Ryan Kingsford (5)
GOAL by LMU Kingsford, Ryan.
38:16
Braden Fidelak (1)
Assisted By: Alejandro Fuentesal
GOAL by LMU Fidelak, Braden Assist by Fuentesal, Alejandro.
58:56
Mario Anaya (2)
GOAL by UCI Anaya, Mario.
63:27
Rafael Espinoza
UCI Rafael Espinoza PENALTY KICK GOAL.
76:41
Tyger Smalls (6)
GOAL by LMU Smalls, Tyger.
88:10
Tyger Smalls (6)
Assisted By: Anthony Wilson
GOAL by LMU Smalls, Tyger Assist by Wilson, Anthony.
89:30
