The opponent is Davidson, but the more pressing issue for the UCSB men’s soccer team going into tonight’s match is scoring goals.
The Gauchos are winless in their first three matches to start the season (0-2-1) because they’ve struggled to put the ball in the net. They’ve scored only once in 297 minutes of soccer, which has left coach Tim Vom Steeg scratching his head.
“There’s nothing wrong with the personnel, it’s a matter of getting it done,” he said after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Creighton.
The Gauchos are creating chances, but no one has been able to apply a finishing touch.
“It’s not a magic formula,” Vom Steeg said. “You need people to score goals for you. The (L.A.) Galaxy has lost a bunch of games (recently) because Edson Buddle is not scoring.
“It’s not a secret,” he added. “You need your forwards to put the ball in the back of the net, or you need the goals to come out of somewhere.”
Sam Garza has had trouble shooting balls on the frame, while Michael Nonni is not getting many shots at all.
Vom Steeg said the scoring woes have been contagious.
“If you don’t get the goal, then it starts to wear on you and you start to press.”
The Gauchos will be facing a Davidson team that is off to a 2-0-1 start. The Wildcats, who return 10 starters, are coming off a 1-0 win against Campbell.
Their star player is senior forward Yannick Pilgrim from Trinidad and Tobago.
Davidson, located in Davidison, N.C., is a member of the Southern Conference. The team traditionally plays several ACC teams on its schedule. Two years ago, the Wildcats upset Duke.
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Hey, it happens. Pressing is exactly the problem. Just play and the goals will come. I predict that this early drought will be balanced by a wealth of goals to come. IF they stay focused and continue to play their game.