While the UC Santa Barbara women’s soccer team moved on in the Big West Championship tournament, the UCSB men’s soccer team was fighting for the number one spot in their last regular season conference match against CSUN on Saturday, Nov 1. The Gauchos tied in an intense match with a final score of 1-1.

The first half of this match was one to forget for the Gauchos, as the hosting Matadors dominated possession of the ball and opportunities on goal. CSUN had a total of eight shots in the first half. While freshman goalkeeper Owen Beninga and the defense did well to fight off the Matadors, they struck first in minute 40 after an unfortunate series of events for the Gauchos. The opportunity for the Matadors came off of a free kick that was awarded to them after sophomore midfielder Jack Middleton had a late tackle that got him his second yellow card ultimately sending him off the field and out of the game. This meant the Gauchos had to play down a man for the remainder of the match. CSUN then capitalized off of the rewarded free kick, putting the Matadors up 1-0 to end the half.

In the second half, the Gauchos came out fired up to find an equalizer as this would be all they needed to clinch a number one seed and immediate ticket to the semifinals in the Big West tournament. They did not have to wait long as the tying goal came in minute 53 from sophomore forward Zac Siebenlist. The assist came from senior midfielder Ramses Martinez who played a well timed ball into the penalty box. Siebenlist knew just what to do with it as he chipped the ball over the oncoming CSUN goalkeeper and into the back of the net. This made the score 1-1.

Knowing that this goal was all they needed, the Gauchos shifted to a more defensive-minded play style. This did not put a stop to the rowdiness in this match that led to a final combined total of 43 fouls. The Gauchos backline held firm until the very end, the final whistle blew and the Gauchos secured the number one seed with a final score of 1-1. This left the Gauchos undefeated in their conference matchups this season. 

The Gauchos are set to play next in the Big West Championship tournament in the semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 8. They will be playing against either UC Davis or California State University, Fullerton.