SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A strong second half by LMU was the difference as the UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team fell in their season opener 2-0 Thursday night.

FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF
"I feel like a broken record from last year and I hope it doesn't repeat itself." Said Stumpf. "As far as the performance, we were happy with the ball movement and possession but not happy with the competitive spirit. We changed systems and were very happy with our ball movement and looks at the goal. Our goals are still in tact, our goals are all about conference."

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos got on the attack early and had a couple good looks at the goal as O'Callaghan Liu took a shot that was saved. A minute later Isabella Ong took a shot but again the Gauchos could not find the back of the net. In the 12th minute UC Santa Barbara got two more shots off with a close chance by Evelyn Arsenault, just missing a header on the back post.

Following the Arsenault shot, the Lions would counter and possess the ball in their third of the field for over 10 minutes. During that time LMU registered two corner kicks and four shots. The Gaucho defense held tough as the Lions did not find the back of the net. As the half continued on neither side budged and the teams went to the break nil-nil.

It did not take long for the deadlock to break as LMU scored a goal just 12 seconds into the second half. Kylie Dobbs took a shot from well over 20 yards out and beat an outstretched Maddie Buckley in net. The Gauchos would try to counter as they were rewarded a corner in the 46th minute and got a shot off in the 47th, but again could not beat the LMU keeper.

On the ensuing Lion possession, LMU went up 2-0 in the 50th minute with another long range shot. From there the Lions never looked back. The Gauchos applied pressure but could never cut the deficit, ultimately falling 2-0 in their season opener.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have a week before their next match. UC Santa Barbara will travel north to face Sacramento State on Thursday, Aug. 22. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. at Hornet Field.