UC San Diego Men’s Club Soccer welcomed UC Riverside to the Sports Deck on Friday night for the second leg of this season’s home and away series. After stealing all three points from UCR last weekend, UC San Diego was eager to repeat the feat in front of the home crowd. However, despite dominating the first half, both teams went into the break scoreless.

UC San Diego seemed to find their stride in the second half with several close chances in the opening minutes. Improved communication and off-the-ball movement helped the San Diego midfield find new player Firas Eid at the top of the Riverside penalty box with time to pick out the bottom corner and give UCSD a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, UC Riverside was able to find a late equalizer after a deflected shot managed to arc over the outstretched arms of Triton goalkeeper, Vik Rendchintala. Disappointed with the draw, UC San Diego vowed to take out their frustration on UC Irvine the following day.

UC San Diego arrived at the Anteater Recreational Center field at UC Irvine with only minutes before kickoff but managed to hold off UCI and finish the first half 1-1 via an opening goal from junior Captain Quinn Frantzen assisted by defender Jonathan Salmeron. The second half saw a reorganized San Diego side take control and seal the victory with goals from Jonathan Clausen and Emil Kirov, both set up by new international signing, Pepe Tovar. UCSD also dominated defensively with standout performances by new defenders Jaime Ayala and Bailey Marsheck.

Undefeated thus far into the season, UC San Diego looks to keep up the momentum as they travel to San Diego State University on Wednesday for what will surely be their toughest test thus far against their perennial rivals.