UCSB lost its offense and its first match of the season Friday night in its home opener at Harder Stadium.
The 12th-ranked Gauchos managed just nine shots and only two on goal in a 2-0 loss to Gonzaga before 3,192 fans. It was the first win for the Bulldogs (1-1)
The two teams battled with no clear distinction until the Bulldogs got on the board in the 29th minute. After advancing deep into UCSB territory, Gonzaga was able to earn a throw-in. Midfielder Nikolai Littleton tossed to forward Connor Bevans, who with his back to goal played a ball over his shoulder to Clark Phillips. Phillips spun himself into position and beat Gauchos keeper Austin Mansker to make it 1-0.
As the game went on, the Gauchos struggled to create viable chances, putting up no shots on frame until the 69th minute of the match, when an Achille Campion header found its way right into the gloves of Gonzaga keeper Ryan Caballero.
With time running out, UCSB pushed more players into the attack. The Bulldogs would take advantage and score their second goal. Caballero sent a long ball that ended up at the feet of Ben Striar, who settled and shot past Mansker from 16 yards.
The Gauchos were able to send three shots towards Caballero in the final four minutes of the match, but none would find their mark.
UCSB will look to get back on track next week when they travel south to face their Southern California rivals No. 6 UCLA. That match will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
