IRVINE, Calif. – The first place UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team will travel to UC Irvine and Long Beach State for two games this week. The Gauchos are currently one of two teams still unbeaten in conference play as they head into games six and seven in the conference slate.
ABOUT LAST WEEK
Despite only one match last week the Gauchos moved into first place in The Big West by defeating, previously unbeaten Cal State Fullerton.
Isabella Ong netted the game winner which happened to be her first collegiate goal. Santa Barbara also played a woman down for the last 33 minutes of the game, grinding out the win. Additionally, with her performance in goal,
Maddie Buckley was named The Big West Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.
SCOUTING THE ANTEATERS
UC Irvine comes into the week with an overall record of 6-3-5 and a record of 3-1-1 in The Big West. Last week the 'Eaters beat UC Davis before tying with rival Long Beach State. UCI currently sits tied for second in The Big West with Cal State Fullerton.
Mia Colombini leads the way offensively for the Gauchos with five goals and an assist on the season. Her five goals and 11 points both lead the team. Suus de Bakker sits just behind her in goals with four and two other anteaters have scored multi goals on the season. Ella Colombini has dished out six assists which ranks second in the conference.
Laurynn Ziller is the main force in net for UC Irvine as she has started 13 games allowing just seven goals. She currently holds a 0.55 goals against average with 31 saves and six shutouts five solo and one combined.
SCOUTING THE BEACH
Long Beach State holds a 5-5-3 overall record and a 2-1-2 record in Big West play. Prior to the Gauchos coming to town, the Beach will host Cal Poly on Thursday. In the standings LBSU is currently sixth, and sitting in the last spot to make The Big West Championships.
Cherrie Cox leads the team with five goals and has two assists to go along with it for a total of 12 points. Her five goals is tied for third most in conference. Radisson Banks follows closely behind with three goals and four assists. In total, six Beach players have scored multiple goals on the season with seven total scoring at least one.
Aurora Schuck has been a staple in net for the Beach all year. She has not missed a single minute in the cage. She has allowed 15 goals while posting a 1.15 goals against average to go along with four clean sheets.
FOLLOW ALONG
UC Santa Barbara will travel to UC Irvine on Thursday night as the Gauchos and Anteaters matchup at 6 p.m. On Sunday, the Gauchos will head to Long Beach State for a noon kick off with the Beach. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats also available through ucsbgauchos.com/WSOCLiveStats.
