In a high‑scoring senior‑day contest at the UCSB soccer stadium, the Gauchos were outmatched by the nation’s #4 ranked USC Trojans, falling 13‑6 on Saturday night. Freshman forward Luigi Canepa led the UCSB attack with a team‑high four goals, but USC’s relentless offense proved too much.
Goalkeeper Wyatt Pieretti, one of two graduating student‑athletes celebrated during the event, made 12 saves in his final appearance for the Gauchos. The ceremony also highlighted senior reserve Thomas Colpo, a two‑year player who earned valuable minutes on the field.
Despite the loss, the Gauchos remain in contention for a share of the Big West regular‑season title. They have one game left on the schedule, a noon matchup against Cal State Fullerton on Sunday. A victory would secure a first‑round bye in the upcoming Big West Championship tournament and keep the team in the hunt for the conference crown.
UCSB’s coach praised the effort of the seniors and the promising contributions of the freshman class, noting that Canepa’s four‑goal performance signals a bright future for the program. “Our seniors have set a high standard, and our younger players are stepping up,” the coach said after the game.
USC, meanwhile, continued its dominant run in the conference, extending its unbeaten streak and reinforcing its position as a national contender. The Trojans’ depth and scoring ability were on full display, as they combined for 13 goals against the Gauchos.
Looking ahead
The upcoming game at Cal State Fullerton will be crucial for UCSB’s postseason positioning. A win would not only clinch a share of the regular‑season championship but also provide momentum heading into the conference tournament, where a top seed could mean a more favorable path to the NCAA tournament.
Fans are encouraged to attend the Sunday match to support the Gauchos as they finish the regular season on a high note. Ticket information and game details are available through the UCSB athletics website.
UCSB athletics contributed to this report.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
