SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. — Despite an early goal from junior forward Jake Schneider, San Diego men's soccer (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WCC) fell behind in the first half and was unable to come back, dropping a 7-1 decision to UC Santa Barbara (1-0-0, 0-0-0 Big West) in its first game of the 2021 season.

Schneider notched the first score of the match, finding the back of the net at the 2:38 mark in the first half. The Kamuela, Hawaii native sent the ball into the top right part of the goal and was assisted by sophomore forward Nicklas Clausen.

The Toreros' 1-0 lead was short-lived, as the Gauchos quickly answered back with a flurry of goals. UC Santa Barbara's Carson Vom Steeg, Thaabit Baartman, Finn Ballard McBride, Diran Bebekian, and Rene Pacheco each scored in the first half, then Ameyawu Muntari scored twice in the second half to secure the 7-1 victory for the Gauchos.

The Toreros are back in action this Sunday night, August 29, when they take on Lipscomb in their first home game of 2021. Kickoff at Torero Stadium is set for 6 p.m.