SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 24 UC Santa Barbara men's soccer team continued its unbeaten start to conference play on Wednesday at CSU Bakersfield, finishing its Big West road opener in a scoreless 0-0 draw.

The Gauchos remain in first place at 7-2-3 overall and 2-0-1 in the Big West, while the Roadrunners move to 2-7-2 overall, 0-2-1 conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a scoreline that wasn't necessarily representative of how the game went, as each team had its chances, particularly down the stretch. Senior goalkeeper Leroy Zeller went for a first half season-high four saves, but his best of the night would come in the final minutes of a second half that could have gone either way.

The Roadrunners got their best chance to steal the win in the 87th minute. After taking over possession in the Gauchos' attacking half, the home side moved it forward into dangerous territory, and Andres Perez De Garcia was found at the top of the box for a potential game-winning strike. His curling shot resulted in a diving effort from Zeller for his fifth save of the night, keeping the match scoreless.

While UCSB's offense wasn't able to get on the board for the first time this season, the Gauchos earned their third straight shutout to open Big West play.

NOTABLE

• This is the second straight year that Zeller and the Gaucho defense have gone three straight outings without allowing a goal. Last October, they went a total of 407 minutes and 37 seconds, spanning more than four games.
• Prior to Wednesday's match, Zeller had totaled three first half saves on three different occasions this season. His four saves before halftime tied a career-high which he reached twice in 2021.
• UCSB was given a red card for the second straight game and second time this season, as midfielder Nemo Philipp – who returned to the lineup from a one game absence – was sent off in the final minute.

NEXT UP
This Saturday, the Gauchos return home to host Cal State Fullerton at 7:00 p.m. at Harder Stadium on Hispanic Heritage / Revolution League Night.