Santa Barbara, Calif. – The UCSB men’s soccer team kept its unbeaten run alive on Saturday, earning a 0‑0 draw against California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Goalkeeper Owen Beninga recorded his 11th career clean sheet and his fourth of the season, helping the Gauchos (5‑3‑4, 1‑0‑2) extend their Big West streak without a loss to 12 games, just two wins shy of the school record.
Key moments from the UCSB‑CSUB matchup
UCSB’s defense was anchored by Beninga, who made four saves, including two critical stops that preserved the shutout. Despite the result, head coach Tim Vom Steeg expressed disappointment, not with the tie itself but with the overall performance. “It’s always a challenge to get results on the road in the Big West,” Vom Steeg said. “The disappointment for me is not the result, but the way we played. We simply had too many players not play to their ability, and consequently we were not good enough to win the game.”
The Gauchos will look to bounce back when they host their rival Cal Poly on Saturday at 7 p.m., a matchup that promises another exciting chapter in the Blue‑Green rivalry.
Cal Poly’s hard‑fought draw at San Diego State
Across town, the Cal Poly Mustangs earned a 1‑1 draw against San Diego State. Junior forward Finn Linas scored his third goal of the season, a 23‑minute equalizer that kept the Mustangs in contention. Sophomore goalkeeper Mathew Guerra contributed two saves, ensuring the tie held until the final whistle. The Mustangs (4‑3‑5, 0‑1‑2) will now turn their attention to the upcoming derby against UCSB on Oct. 10, which will be streamed on ESPN+.
Last month, Cal Poly claimed a 2‑1 victory in the derby opener at home, with goals from Charlie Hogan and Devin Bening. The upcoming contest offers both teams a chance to settle the score and further solidify their positions in the conference.
What’s next for Santa Barbara soccer
UCSB’s next challenge is the home showdown with Cal Poly, a game that carries both bragging rights and important conference implications. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Meanwhile, Cal Poly will look to build on its recent performances as it prepares for the rivalry match. Both programs continue to showcase the talent and competitive spirit that make the Big West a compelling league for college soccer enthusiasts.
Information for this recap was provided by the athletics departments of UCSB and Cal Poly.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
