LA JOLLA, Calif. - The UC San Diego men's soccer team, after recording draws in three of its first four league matches, looks to pick up its first conference victory when it travels to Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino this weekend.
The Tritons, 3-1-4 overall and 0-1-3 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play, currently are tied for fourth in the league's South Division with three points from their three ties. The overall total of four draws this season already matches the highest figure in UCSD men's soccer program history, tallied in three previous years with the last occurrence in 2004.
Defensively the Tritons have allowed the second-fewest goals in the CCAA, second only to defending national champion Cal State Dominguez Hills. With an experienced backline, including Daniel Pavitt, Josh Jackson, Jared Kukura and Chris Gutierrez, UCSD has posted four shutouts while allowing two or more goals on just two occasions. In the Tritons' most recent match, senior goalkeeper Peter Akman recorded nine saves as UCSD picked up a road draw against Chico State.
The Tritons, positioned at No. 10 in the latest West Region rankings, challenge Cal Poly Pomona Friday at 7 p.m. The Broncos started 0-3 in the CCAA before defeating Humboldt State this past Sunday, 3-0. CPP senior Miguel Abascal, a native of Guatemala, has led his squad in scoring through the first seven games by knocking in four goals and recording two assists. UCSD holds an 18-5-2 advantage in the all-time series with the Broncos, who are not ranked among the West Region's top 10. In 2008 the Tritons beat CPP twice, 3-0 at home and 4-0 on the road. UCSD junior midfielder Brandon Yee scored once in each of the two matches.
The Coyotes of CSUSB host the Tritons on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. CSUSB has gone 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the CCAA, with all four of its conference matches being decided by one score. On Sept. 13 the Coyotes lost a 3-2 overtime thriller to Cal State L.A., a CCAA squad currently ranked third nationally. Juniors Albert Cabrera and Obi Agwu have each tallied five scores to lead the CSUSB attack. The Tritons have a slight edge in the all-time series, holding a record of 14-13-4 against the Coyotes. CSUSB had the upper hand in 2008 though, topping UCSD 3-0 in La Jolla and 2-1 in San Bernardino.
The Tritons return home to host No. 8 Sonoma State on Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.
