For the first game of 2024, the Tritons would host UC Irvine in hopes of making a push for the playoffs. Due to the results obtained in 2023, UCSD would have to perform at the highest level possible in every remaining game. In 2023 the team lacked a system, and since the beginning of the new year, the Tritons have been working incredibly hard to fix this.

The game would kickoff and it was a rough first ten minutes for the Tritons, as the nerves were kicking in as this was the first time this new system was being integrated into a match. UC Irvine would be able to capitalize on this as UCSD would fall asleep and turn the ball over in their own half, leading to multiple attacks across the box, which ended in a goal for the Anteaters. From an outside perspective, it seemed like the Tritons would begin to panic and that this game was going to get out of hand, but the Tritons demonstrated the complete opposite. As the game progressed, they began to gain control and the ideas they had been working on were being implemented, which led to an equalizer from Owen Riess. The Tritons were finally gaining confidence, but they were still looking a little sloppy at times. As the 45 minute mark was approaching, a beautiful play by the Tritons would allow Lucas Venetoulias to find free space in behind the defense and as expected he converted on the one on one. UCSD would lead 2-1 going into the break. 

Going into the second half, various pieces were moved around to help prevent what occurred in the first few minutes of the first half, and it was a success for the majority of the remaining 45 minutes. The Tritons were doing an incredible job at retaining possession and creating plenty of chances. However, it seemed like the Triton’s history of failing to convert chances was starting to creep up. Recognizing that this was the first game of the new year, it was obvious that the team was beginning to look fatigued, so various substitutions were made, so that fresh legs could help the Tritons hold onto their lead. With 7 minutes left, UCSD would lose focus for a couple of seconds which led to a penalty being drawn in favor of the Anteaters who would equalize from the penalty spot. Knowing that this was a must win game, UCSD became more desperate, whipping balls into the box, having players higher up the pitch, it was the perfect setup for UCI to potentially steal the game. UCI would take advantage of the desperation and began to play a counter-attacking playstyle, but they failed to convert on their chances, along with an incredible save from Chris Dura in the final minute of the game.

The game would end 2-2, and while the result demonstrates that there is a lot of work to be done, the game itself showed a lot of positives. This process will  be a long one, but the team is trusting it and will continue to work to fulfill their potential. The Tritons will face USD on February 10 with the hopes of finding their first victory of the year.