FULLERTON — The UCSB women’s soccer team struck first, but Cal State Fullerton came back for a 2-1 win over the Gauchos in Big West action Thursday night.
With an aggressive start, UCSB scored in the 18th minute when Manuri Alwis placed a beautiful ball placed in front of Lauren Helwig. The sophomore midfielder was able to find the back of the net to put the Gauchos up 1-0.
The Titans struck with a goal of their own in the 32nd minute, and the teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
Fullerton came out quick with another goal to go up by one just four minutes into the second half.
With hopes of making a final push, the Gauchos’ defense hunkered down as Evann Smith and the rest of the defensive line made key plays to prevent the Titans from sneaking another ball past.
However, the offense for the Gauchos wasn’t able to slip past the Titans, resulting in the 2-1 road loss.
Helwig’s goal was her third of the season. UCSB Midfielder O’Callaghan Liu registered three shots, and freshman Kate Killer and sophomore Shaye Douglas had one shot apiece.
Goalie Evann Smith made two saves, playing all 90 minutes.
The Gauchos are now 1-3-3 in Big West play and 2-8-6 overall. They play Sunday at UC Riverside, and then finish the regular season at home with games against UC Irvine next Thursday and Long Beach State on Sunday, Oct. 23.