Warriors lose to Gauchos 3-1
Coming in, we knew it wasn't going to be easy. The UCSB Gauchos are currently ranked #6 in Division 1 Men's Soccer and sport a roster of overwhelmingly international talent. The speed and quickness of their game was experienced early as the Gauchos attacked right out of the gate. After several close calls around the box, UCSB slotted away two of their chances. The first came in the 11th minute as a diagonal ball through the top of the box was calmly finished by midfielder Daniel Silva. Soon after, in the 22nd minute, forward Sam Garza sliced through the midfield eventually slipping a ball in the back of the net. At this point, the game seemed decided and most of the 3,100 spectators in attendance were merely hoping that the match wouldn't become a blowout. Yet the Warriors responded with passion and intensity as the game wore on. In the second half, the play was even as both teams stung passes together and had chances on goal. In the 65th minute, senior forward Anthony Niboli slyly passed the ball to the edge of the UCSB box. Freshman midfielder Rick McCarthy ran onto it and rocketed the ball just under the crossbar to make the score 2-1. The play evened out for the next 10 minutes as the Warriors increasingly sensed that the momentum had shifted. However, in the 75th minute, Gaucho forward Michael Nonni showed his speed by beating a few defenders and put the game away with a breakaway goal. Though the team was upset about the start of the game, the overall mood afterward was optimistic. The team battled back against a talented and physical opponent which bodes well for the opening game of the season on Thursday. The team also demonstrated its depth with new players such as Freshmen Rick McCarthy and Sean Siemens logging significant minutes and finding their way onto the scoresheet. And most of all, the team played "together" which, as many alumni know, is the most important weapon of all.
