California Baptist University
UC Santa Barbara
MSOC Preview: Lancers Close Out Non-Conference Schedule with Home and Away Matches
9/18/2023 11:13:00 AM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE – The final non-conference duo of the 2023 season is fast arriving this week in the form of a home match against 4-3 UC Santa Barbara and the non-conference finale Crosstown Showdown at UC Riverside.
Nolan Premack made his 2023 debut in the Lancers' most recent contest, a 2-0 loss at #22 San Diego. The Toreros were the third team the Lancers have faced to begin the season that has been in the national polls at game time, bolstering CBU's resume as they maintain the NCAA's 17th hardest schedule in Division I.
UC SANTA BARBARA AT A GLANCE
The Gauchos come to Riverside on Tuesday with a 4-3 record but trending upward, having won three of their last four matches. They've played just two games away from home this season, losing 4-2 to #6 Portland and 3-0 to Grand Canyon. The two sides have yet to have any common opponents, but UCSB has played a trio of WAC schools in UNLV (W, 2-1), Utah Valley (W, 5-2), and the Lopes.
The Gauchos can be scored on, allowing 2.57 goals per game through seven matches, with each opponent scoring and all but one scoring multiple goals. But that stat with a winning record means they are capable of outscoring opponents as well, as 10 players have scored this season, led by Nemo Pillipp's team-leading four goals and 17 points.
UC RIVERSIDE AT A GLANCE
Last year's Big West champions and NCAA tournament representatives have had a tough start to the 2023 season, still searching for their first win at 0-6-1. Two weeks ago, the lone tie on the year came in a scoreless draw at the University of San Diego. But their record, like the Lancers', does not fully indicate the quality of matches they've played. Contests against Gonzaga and at Oregon State, San Diego State, and Northwestern, to name a few, have boosted the Highlanders NCAA strength of schedule rating to #5 in the nation.
The Crosstown Showdown will be just the second home game for the Highlanders this year and the first since opening the season against Gonzaga. UCR is still looking to find its scoring form, having netted just two goals in seven games thus far. Still, aside from a three-goal difference in Corvallis against the Beavers, UCR has managed to keep most games either a one-goal result or relinquishing a second goal very late in the 83rd minute or later.
Tuesday's match against the Gauchos is set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at CBU Soccer Stadium. The Lancers travel across town to the campus of UCR on Saturday, September 23, for another 7:00 p.m. start against the Highlanders.
