SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team returned to Harder Stadium Thursday night after a three-match road trip. The Gauchos looked to inch closer to the top of The Big West standing, but ultimately stayed stagnant as they fell 1-0 to UC Davis.

FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF
"On one hand we played very well against a top team in the conference and created plenty of chances but again, came out with no goals," said Stumpf. We saw a number of great performances but we have to figure out a way to get more goals. We got some help tonight and clinched a spot in the Championships, so one of our goals has been attained."

HOW IT HAPPENED
From the first whistle both teams came ready to attack. After the opening kickoff by the Gauchos, UC Davis fired two shots from distance but did not find the target. The Gauchos quickly put pressure on the Davis defense forcing their goalkeeper to make one of her 10 saves on the night.

Both teams continued to take shots from all different distances and angles, but both keepers were up to the test. The two sides found a few good looks but could not capitalize. A free kick just outside the penalty area gave Emily Caughey a chance to give the Gauchos the early lead but was denied. 

A few moments later O'Callaghan Liu took a shot that got by the outstretched Aggie keeper but hit the far post and ricocheted away. After a few more shots by the Gauchos that were turned away, UC Davis took advantage on a counter attack, netting the first goal of the game in the 27th minute.

The pressure from both sides did not stop there as the two sides combined for 20 shots in the first half. 

As the fog continued to get denser in the second half the two sides played most of the game in the midfield. When they were able to get by the defense and look at goal, the strikers took their shots. Devin Greer took three shots in the first eight minutes of play forcing the Aggie keeper to make a couple saves.

A few more Gauchos chances were turned away as the final moments ticked down, but the Blue and Gold could not find the equalizer and feel 1-0 to UC Davis.

POSTSEASON IMPLICATIONS
Despite the loss, UC Santa Barbara remains alone in second place in the standings. They sit two points in front of UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Bakersfield. With Cal Poly defeating Hawai'i the Gauchos remain three points back of first place. With the help of some other scores around The Big West, the Gauchos have mathematically earned a spot in The Big West Championships.

UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will wrap up the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 27 as they host Hawai'i. The Gauchos and Rainbow Wahine will celebrate their seniors prior to the match which will kick off at 5 p.m.