SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In a rematch of last year's Big West Championship game, the UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team held on for a 1-0 win over Cal State Bakersfield to stay unbeaten in the conference season moving to 2-0-2.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara, after having a mini bye week, came out ready to play in the opening 45 minutes. After the first half concluded the Gauchos had outshot the Roadrunners 8-1 while maintaining 65 percent of the possession. The Gauchos were also awarded four corner kicks in the opening period, although nothing resulted from them, UC Santa Barbara offensive pressure could be felt. In the 42^nd minute of the game Ava Jarolimek found Haley Phillips who was just outside the 18-yard box. She settled the pass, made a move and fired a shot that beat the Bakersfield goalkeeper to the top right of the goal. The Gauchos went to the break up 1-0.
 
Out of the break the Roadrunners came out with more aggressiveness on the pitch. A few shots forced Maddie Buckley to make a few early saves to begin the second half. After a few substitutions by both sides the Gauchos got back to their offensive form from the first half. Phillips had another good look at goal but the Bakersfield keeper made a save to keep the game close. Cal State Bakersfield kept up the offensive pressure and almost found the equalizer in the 78^th minute. A cross into the box was deflected and found an unmarked runner, fortunately she sent the ball high of the net. The Gaucho backline and keeper held strong to pick up another conference win.
 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara is at home once more this week as they host Cal State Fullerton who remains unbeaten on the season and are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll. The match is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. For those unable to attend in person the match will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available through ucsbgauchos.com/WSOCLiveStats.