The UCLA men’s soccer team began the season winless through three games, with all three games being on the road. Upon returning home, the Bruins are undefeated, compiling three wins in three games including an upset of No. 6 UCSB.
On Friday, UCSB came into the match undefeated, while No. 16 UCLA entered with a two-game win streak.
After going down 1-0 in the first half, the Bruins responded with a goal from junior forward Chandler Hoffman in the 51st minute. The Gauchos had a close chance at goal, but once redshirt senior goalkeeper Brian Rowe stopped the shot, the Bruins counterattacked. Sophomore midfielder Kelyn Rowe played a ball to Hoffman in the box who put the ball past the UCSB goalkeeper to tie the game at one each.
With that goal, Hoffman scored in his fifth consecutive game, tying a school record held by Joe Max-Moore and Billy Thompson.
However, Hoffman wasn’t finished. Not even close. In the 67th minute Hoffman finished a corner kick taken by Kelyn Rowe with a thundering volley to give the Bruins a one-goal lead.
Three minutes later, Hoffman made sure it would be a night to remember as he completed the hat trick. Sophomore forward Victor Chavez crossed the ball far post to Hoffman who placed the ball in the back of the net at the near post, giving UCLA the 3-1 lead.
The Gauchos received a penalty kick in the 73rd minute off of a Bruin foul and Sam Garza scored the spot kick.
UCLA retained possession of the ball in the last 10 minutes of the game to ensure victory as the Bruins held on to the 3-2 lead.
Hoffman’s spectacular night puts him at seven goals in his last five games and 13 goals in his last 12 games.
The Bruins (3-2-1) travel to San Diego to face the Toreros (3-2-0) on Sunday.