UCLA men’s soccer will run into an unfamiliar foe on Saturday. That opponent is not so much another team but the opposing team’s fans.
Saturday’s matchup will mark the end of the No. 7 Bruins’ (3-1-1) lengthy homestand as they travel to the No. 13 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (4-2).
The Gauchos have won every home game thus far and have a fairly unique advantage in the world of college soccer – a very large crowd.
“Santa Barbara is a big one because we beat them 3-0 in the spring,” said redshirt freshman midfielder Matthew Powell. “They always have a big crowd, it’s going to be a good environment and a great game … it’s kind of a battle to be the best team in Southern California.”
Even with school not in session, UCSB has averaged over 1,600 people at their home games this season. But UCLA will be arriving at the same time as the students will for their move-in week. This means the Bruins will expect an especially large crowd.
“When you go up to Santa Barbara there’s always a big crowd,” said coach Jorge Salcedo. “It’s their move-in weekend, we were there a few years ago during the same weekend and they had north of 18,000 people there … but the guys get very motivated to play in a hostile environment.”
The game which Salcedo referenced broke the NCAA record for largest attendance at an on-campus stadium for men’s soccer.
Even when the Gauchos are away, their fans travel as if they’re always at home.
Last season, UCSB upset the then-No. 1 Bruins 4-2 at Drake Stadium and the UCSB fans rained down tortillas from the stands.
The torrent of tortillas, a uniquely Gaucho tradition, capped off a disappointing night. However, the Bruins were able to battle back and defeat the Gauchos in the spring rematch.
Heading into Saturday, UCLA look to continue its hot streak. The Bruins have scored a combined 10 goals in their last two games which included a 6-1 rout of then-No. 1 Akron.
On the field, there have been a couple of players that have really stepped up for UCLA so far during this young season.
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Juan Cervantes has only allowed three goals this season while saving 22. This solid play has left him with a save percentage of 88.
Meanwhile on the offensive side junior forward Abu Danladi’s season debut was only two games ago but he leads the team with three goals in only 43 minutes of play.
Other key contributors include redshirt junior midfielder Brian Iloski, who hit the game-winning goal in overtime against Cal State Fullerton, and redshirt freshman forward Blayne Martinez. Both players have two goals apiece.
Saturday’s match starts at 7 p.m. in Harder Stadium.