The UC Santa Barbara women’s soccer team played against the undefeated Big West Conference leaders, California State University, Fullerton on Thursday, Oct. 9. The match resulted in a 1-0 win for the Gauchos, breaking the Titans undefeated streak and putting UC Santa Barbara at the top of the conference.

The Titans’ offense and defense came out aggressive on all fronts, totaling 11 fouls in the first half while the Gauchos only totaled 1. This approach from the Titans was easily shaken off by the Gauchos’ offense as they struck first in minute 31. The opportunity arose on a cross from freshman forward Natalie Sheffey, which was well finished by sophomore forward Isabella Ong. At the end of the first half, UCSB took a 1-0 lead. 

In the second half, the Gauchos came out and matched the intensity that the Titans had in the first half. UCSB was given 5 fouls in the second half, with 4 of them resulting in yellow cards. Two of the four yellow cards were given to sophomore defender Mya Delaney, resulting in a red card in minute 56. With Delaney out, the Gauchos would have to play the remainder of the game with 10 players, up against the Titans’ traditional 11.

The remaining 30 minutes of the second half consisted of a strong defensive performance from UCSB, who were fighting to hold on to the 1-0 lead. Game-clinching saves were made by junior goalkeeper Maddie Buckley, who totaled 5 saves in this match. This performance from Buckley named her the Big West Defensive Player of the Week. The final whistle blew, making the final score 1-0 for the UCSB Gauchos, beating the daunting previous conference leaders, the CSUF Titans.

The UC Santa Barbara women’s soccer team is set to take on UC Irvine in an away game taking place on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.