IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's soccer opened up Anteater Stadium for the 2024 season with a 1-1 draw against San Diego Thursday night.

• The match started out in USD's favor with the first shot in the eighth minute and the opening goal in the 12th as Olivia Jandreski slotted a shot under keeper Ashley Naylor from inside the box to put UCI down, 1-0
• The 'Eaters got even in the 22nd minute as Laila El Behery found the ball at her feet following a turnover, drove, and launched a ball from well outside the box beating the Torero keeper far post to make it 1-1
• UCI nearly doubled up with two chances in the very next minute as El Behery fired from a sharp angle that was saved, and the rebound to Clara Samson was also turned away to keep it level
• The attack entered the half with a 10-2 shot advantage including three more chances on frame, but were unable to find a second
• UCI continued their assault with a majority of the possession and chances early in the second half
• Emilie Castagna had two big chances in the 75th minute beginning with a self-made bicycle kick try that just floated into the side netting. She ran onto a ball soon after and punted it low and hard that needed a diving save from USD's keeper, Ilise Medrano
• The defenses held up the final 15 minutes for the 1-1 draw as the Anteaters go to 1-1-1 on the season
• El Behery's unassisted goal is her first this year and ninth in her career as she pushes her career point total to 20
• Ashley Naylor picked up a late save for her only of the match. UCI out-shot the Toreros 18-4 with seven on target and six saved by USD
• Eight Anteaters made their Anteater Stadium debut including four starters - Naylor, Lawson Willis, Clara Samson, and Ivy Williams

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UCI GOAL!! ? Laila (22') takes the turnover and buries it from range!

UC Irvine 1-1 San Diego #STRONGwomen pic.twitter.com/8KwL9H1qCM

— UCI Women's Soccer (@UCIwsoc) August 23, 2024

The 'Eaters head back on the road for a Sunday, 1:00 p.m. kickoff at Washington who enters the match 0-0-2 on the year