Score: UC Davis 0, UC Irvine 1
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 4-4-3 (0-2), UC Irvine 4-5-1 (1-1)
The short story: UC Davis men's soccer controlled possession for a second consecutive game to open Big West play, but once again, they were unable to find the back of the net while a 44th-minute goal by UC Irvine proved decisive.
PITCH SIDE
- Both the Aggies and the Anteaters recorded eight shots in the contest
- Milan Uncanin and Gabriel Haggerty each made their first career starts in an Aggie uniform
- Defense on both sides of the pitch was the standout factor, with Anteaters' goalkeeper Luke Pruter earning man of the match honors for his clean sheet
- Offensively for the Anteaters, Marcus Lee provided the game's lone goal and match-winner
- The trio of Lucas Fernandez-Kim, Cason Goodman, and Zachary Neuls were aggressive all game for UC Davis, each recording multiple shots, with Goodman accounting for both of the Aggies' shots on goal
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Aggies nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute with a shot from Goodman that forced a diving save from Pruter
- Despite controlling possession, UC Davis struggled to break through the Anteater backline, which helped UC Irvine dominate the shot count during the middle minutes of the match
- In the 44th minute, UC Irvine's Lee capitalized on being unmarked in the box, converting a cross from Brady Treinen to put the Anteaters ahead 1-0
- Goodman provided another near-goal opportunity for UC Davis in the 69th minute, adding to the Aggies' offensive efforts
- UC Davis generated three corners and two shots late, but the Anteaters held on for the 1-0 win
NEXT UP: The Aggies will look to bounce back Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. PT when UC Davis travels to the Valley to take on CSUN.
