DAVIS, Calif. – It was a buzzing atmosphere inside UC Davis Health Stadium as a record-breaking 2,006 fans gathered to watch UC Davis men's soccer take on UC Santa Barbara in a hotly-contested Big West Conference matchup. However, it would be the visiting Gauchos to earn all three points, using two second-half goals to grab the 2-1 win.
UC Santa Barbara scored to break the deadlock in the second half, slightly against the run of play, before
Ethan Hoard's stunning free kick canceled out the opening goal. Midfielder Eddie Villeda was hero for the Gauchos as his left-footed effort from outside the box proved to be the winner, wrapping up the victory for his team away from home.
Playing the front foot and controlling possession and enjoying majority of the scoring chances over the 90 minutes, the Aggies' missed chances cost them points in the end. The Gauchos were dangerous going forward and clinical with their chances, netting two goals from their three shots on target. UC Davis fired nine shots and five on frame, but many of those attempts came from outside the penalty area.
In the 15
th minute, the hosts nearly found the back of the net when
Luke Goodman launched an excellent lobbed pass to a streaking
Declan Horio, but the freshman's left-footed strike was hit straight at the keeper.
The Gauchos found their first goal through Nicolas Hald Willumsen in the 52
nd minute after Kavi Krishnan's wonderful individual work on the wing allowed him to shift the ball onto his left foot before whipping in dangerous low cross that found the foot of the striker, who tapped in for his goal.
Less than 10 minutes later, a ball struck the arm of a Gaucho defender just outside the penalty which resulted in a UC Davis free kick.
Ethan Hoard stepped up to take the set piece and made the most of the opportunity, curling his shot over the wall and into the back of the net, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot to level the contest at 1-1 in the 60
th minute.
The Aggies were bright following the equalizing goal, but UC Santa Barbara showed their class in the final third when Eddie Villeda blasted a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner to score the winner, sending the Gauchos home with all three points.
With just 15 minutes left to play, UC Davis were unable to break down the visitors' deep defensive line and the 2-1 scoreline would hold.
Goals
52' – UC Santa Barbara (Willumsen)
60' – UC Davis (Hoard)
75' – UC Santa Barbara (Villeda)
Up Next
The Ags head to UC Irvine on Oct. 7 to continue their conference schedule. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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