IRVINE, Calif. - UC San Diego (0-6-3) earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against UC Irvine (5-3-2) on Wednesday evening at Anteater Stadium. The match saw both teams battle through 90 minutes of intense action, with an own goal in the 58th minute leveling the score after UC Irvine had taken the lead.
The scoring opened through an own goal in the first half, giving UC Irvine the advantage. However, the Tritons showed resilience and eventually equalized in the 58th minute when a defensive miscue led to an own goal, bringing the final score to 1-1.
The first half saw both teams creating opportunities, with UC Irvine's Hunny Yoo proving particularly dangerous. The Anteaters' aggressive pressing led to several chances, including a shot from Gage Lyons that tested the Tritons' defense in the 39th minute. The period was marked by physical play, with Nolan DiCenzo receiving a yellow card in the 17th minute for an unsporting challenge.
The second half brought increased intensity from both sides. UC San Diego's James Redington had a promising attempt in the 46th minute, while UC Irvine's Hunny Yoo responded with two dangerous shots in quick succession around the 50th minute mark. The equalizing own goal in the 58th minute shifted momentum, leading to a frantic final 30 minutes where both teams pushed for a winner.
Statistically, UC Irvine held the advantage in several key areas, outshooting UC San Diego 13-9, with five shots on target compared to the Tritons' two. The Anteaters also earned more corner kicks (4-3), though UC San Diego's defense proved resilient with four saves compared to UC Irvine's two.
Individual performances stood out on both sides. Adam Hillis showed his defensive prowess for UC San Diego despite receiving a yellow card in the 56th minute, while UC Irvine's Agaton Pourshahidi was influential in midfield before being substituted. Keenai Braun created a late chance for the Tritons with a shot in the 84th minute that nearly gave them the win.
The tactical battle evolved throughout the match, with both teams making strategic adjustments. UC Irvine's head coach utilized his bench effectively, making key substitutions including the removal of Misael Gonzalez Lopez in the 79th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack. UC San Diego responded by tightening their defensive structure, particularly after the equalizer.
This result continues UC San Diego's challenging season, though it marks their third draw of the campaign. For UC Irvine, the draw halts a two-game losing streak but extends their winless run to three matches. The Anteaters' inability to hold their lead despite creating more chances will be a point of concern for their coaching staff.
The match was characterized by its physical nature, with four yellow cards issued in total - three to UC Irvine players (DiCenzo, Lyons, and Yoo) and one to UC San Diego's Hillis. Both teams showed defensive organization, particularly in the crucial moments of the second half when fatigue began to set in.
Looking ahead, UC San Diego will host UC Davis on October 4th, while UC Irvine prepares to welcome Cal Poly on the same date. Both teams will look to build on this competitive showing as they continue their conference campaigns.