'Eaters Finish Non-Conference vs. UCLA

Saturday, September 23

Irvine, Calif.

6:00 PM

UC Irvine

UCLA

Photo by: Matt Brown

'Eaters Finish Non-Conference vs. UCLA

September 21, 2023 | Men's Soccer

Buy Tickets Spectator Information ESPN+ & Live Stats Match Notes

By: Alex Roberts-Croteau

THROW-INS
9th - UCI's draw with No. 8 Creighton marks the 9th result in program history against a program ranked 8th or higher
12 - The Anteaters have been issued 12 cautions in 2023, all yellows, which is the lowest amount in the Big West
22 - UC Irvine's defense has allowed a Big West-low 22 shots on target
#1 - Coach Raz's 2019 recruiting class was ranked #1 in the nation with four on the 2023 roster and two now playing pro
5th - UCI claimed Big West Freshman of the Week a 5th time since 2021 via Mauricio Gutierrez's game-winner vs. Gonzaga
10 - UCI and UCLA have played a one-goal game or draw in 10 of the last 11 meetings except for a 2013 3-1 UCI win

Clear Bag Policy
Only clear bags permitted with maximum size 12" x 12" x 6"
Foldable chairs, blankets, and other items for seating are still permitted

Concessions
Concessions available at the stadium. Outside food or drink, other than a water bottle, are not permitted

Parking
Permits are $15 and enforced at all times. Hourly permits ($5 per hour) and ParkbyPlate (Code: SPORTS@UCI) are also available to purchase ahead of time

· The Anteaters top the Big West in least amount of total cards with 12, least amount of shots on target allowed at 22, and are one of two programs along with Cal State Bakersfield to allow less than one goal per match this year.
· Firsts this season have come from Brady Treinen recording his first match, start, and point this year. Isaac Powell made his first start vs. Saint Mary's to go with his first career goal and point at Omaha. Third-year 'Eater Noah Clarkson made his long-awaited debut vs. UNLV scoring his first goal and point 21 minutes after entering the match. Other debuts have included second-year Justin Conyers and grad transfer making his UCI debut, Christian Gomez
· Mauricio Gutierrez made his debut and scored his first career point all in one week. His game-winner vs. Gonzaga helped claim Big West Freshman of the Week
· Luke Pruter celebrated a birthday with a win over Gonzaga and became the 12th Anteater in program history collecting his 100th career save. He's jumped into UCI's top-10 now ninth with 32 career matches played
· UC Irvine's match vs. No. 1 Stanford drew 1,201 fans, the largest men's soccer crowd since 2014

Team Accomplishments
· UCI began the season with its best start under head coach Yossi Raz unbeaten in their first four matches, three wins, two shutouts, and a draw vs. No. 8 Creighton
· The 'Eaters welcomed two top-10 programs into Anteater Stadium drawing with No. 8 Creighton and falling by one goal to No. 1 Stanford. Following that, UCI earned one vote in the United Soccer Coaches poll in two straight weeks

Saturday vs. the Bruins
· The Anteaters and Bruins meet again for the third straight season, 23rd time overall, and 11th in Anteater Stadium. The 'Eaters have three wins over UCLA, the most recent in 2013 along with a draw in 2019.
· The Bruins reached the NCAA Third Round last year with 12 wins and are 2-2-1 in 2023 with big wins over Virginia Tech and Rutgers and UCI looks to keep the Big West momentum with a draw against CSUN and loss
Sunday at Fullerton.
· UCLA had preseason buzz around Tommy Silva (0 G, 3 A) and defensive mid Tucker Lepley. Grad transfer Jack Sarkos has stolen the spotlight with five goals, and sophomore keeper Sam Joseph has played every minute making 20 saves