UCLA Athletics - 2022 UCLA Men's Soccer versus the Liberty University, Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. September 2nd, 2022Copyright Don Liebig/ASUCLA220902_MSOC_0140.NEFUCLA Athletics - 2022 UCLA Men's Soccer versus the Liberty University, Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. September 2nd, 2022Copyright Don Liebig/ASUCLA220902_MSOC_0140.NEF
Don Liebig/ASUCLA

Nate Crockford (photo: Don Liebig)

Bruins Blanked at Portland, 2-0

Men's Soccer

UCLA was held without a goal for the first time this season

Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF) Opens in a new window 2022_MSOC_Combined.pdf

PORTLAND, Ore. – The No. 15-ranked UCLA men's soccer team absorbed a 2-0 loss to Portland on Saturday night in the opener of a three-game road trip.

The Pilots (3-0-2) scored a goal on either side of the halftime break. Jacob Babalai was the offensive standout for the hosts, scoring the opener and providing the primary assist on Portland's second goal.

Keeper Nate Crockford made a season-high four saves for the Bruins (3-2-0).

The result marked the first time this season that UCLA was held without a goal, and the first time overall since Nov. 4, 2021.

Sophomore Aaron Edwards and junior Tommy Silva co-led the team with two shots apiece, with both of the latter's going on frame.

Redshirt sophomore forward Jose Contell had probably the Bruins' cleanest look at the net in the second half, hitting a shot from the right side of the 18 in the 76th minute that was squared up by Portland keeper George Tasouris.

UCLA opens up Pac-12 action next week with trips to Stanford on Thursday and California on Sunday. Both contests will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.