SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team is ready to begin week two of competition as they travel north to face Sacramento State on Thursday, Aug. 22. Following the match the Gauchos will host Mountain West foe, Fresno State at Harder Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 25.
LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos opened their season last Thursday, Aug. 15 against the Lions of LMU. Two second-half goals, within nine minutes of each other were the difference as LMU defeated Santa Barbara 2-0.
The Gauchos posted 10 total shots with just one shot being on net in the contest. Although UC Santa Barbara had nothing to show for, they had a couple of near misses off a header from
Evelyn Arsenault and a left shot by
O'Callaghan Liu that was saved.
SCOUTING THE HORNETS
The Hornets enter the match coming off a 1-1-0 week, losing their season opener to UC Davis, but bouncing back to defeat Houston Christian in their home opener on Saturday, Aug. 17. Sacramento States goal differential is even across two games as they have allowed three goals but also scored three goals.
The Gauchos have dominated the all-time series against the Hornets posting a 7-2-2 record. Furthermore, the Gauchos are 3-1-1 all-time while playing at Sacramento State. The last contest was a 1-1 draw, back on Aug. 25, 2022.
On paper the Hornets average 12.5 shots per game with a .480 shots on goal percentage. Two of their three goals on the season have been assisted and all three goals have come from different goal scorers. Leading the charge is sophomore, midfielder, Ellie Farber who recorded a goal and assist in the Hornets lone win this season.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Before the Gauchos and Bulldogs square off both teams will play a match on Thursday. As mentioned above UC Santa Barbara will travel to Sacramento State while Fresno State will host Weber State. As it stands right now the Bulldogs are currently 1-0-0 on the season with their win coming against a familiar opponent to the Gauchos, Cal Poly.
Across 16 matches, UC Santa Barbara and Fresno State have split the series right down the middle posting a 7-7-2 record against one another. Last year's matchup was played to a 0-0 draw in Fresno. The Gauchos do post a winning record at home against the 'Dogs with a 4-3-0 record.
Fresno State earned a 1-0 victory over the Mustangs with the lone goal coming in the eighth minute of the contest. Senior, Jordan Lau netted the game-winner and played all 90 minutes. The goal was assisted by Laura Mas Serra.
FOLLOW ALONG
Both games this week will be streamed through ESPN+ with live stats also available. Thursday's match will begin at 1 p.m. at Hornet Field while Sunday's contest will kickoff at noon at Harder Stadium.
