The CSUN men’s soccer team visited Drake Stadium in Westwood to play against the 9th ranked UCLA Bruins.

The Matadors took more shots, corners, and saves in the first half compared to the Bruins. Unfortunately, having an advantage of 8-6 in total shots, the Matadors were unable to test UCLA keeper Juan Cervantes who had only made 1 save in the half.

The Matadors closest shot to a goal was in the 34 minute mark when freshman player Edwin Quiroz made a shot, but was blocked by the keeper.

The Bruins were much more effective in challenging senior keeper Kevin Marquez with five shots on target. Marquez was able to make saves on three of the five shots on target, but was unable to stop the Bruins from scoring two goals in the first half.

The first goal came in the 11th minute by forward Willie Raygoza who received a pass and was able to score inside the box. The second goal came in the 24th minute when defender Matthew Powell was able to push the ball into the back of the net on his own blocked shot. The first half ended with the Bruins up 2-0.

The Matadors came out in the second half more aggressive and not ready to give up, regardless of the lead the Bruins had. In the 46th minute, freshman forward Bar Shem Tov was able to force the Bruins keeper into a save.

As promising as the opening looked, the Bruins took control of the game. They held the Matadors to five total shots with only two on target and two corner kicks in the half.

UCLA had five total shots and three were on target plus six corners. The Bruins defense didn’t allow the Matadors to contest their keeper until the 72nd minute when senior defender Patrick Hickman headed the ball on a corner kick.

In the 75th minute, the Bruins dashed any hopes the Matadors had at a comeback when forward Abu Danladi received a pass and sent his low shot pass Marquez. Then in the 89th minute, the Bruins added their 4th goal of the game when substitute Blayne Martinez received a pass to score an easy tap in.

After 90 minutes in Los Angeles, the Matadors fell 4-0 and look to rebound after this loss when they visit Utah Valley on Saturday.