SAN DIEGO — Nicklas Clausen scored his team-leading fourth goal of 2021, but San Diego men's soccer (1-6-0, 0-0-0 WCC) dropped a tough 3-1 decision to UC Irvine (2-4-1, 0-0-0 Big West) on Wednesday night at Torero Stadium.

Clausen, who notched four shots in the game, including three on goal, found the back of the net in the 66th minute, scoring unassisted to the low left portion of the goal.

The Toreros outshot the Anteaters 20 to 11 in the contest, with Robert Webb equaling Clausen with four shots of his own (one on goal), Sage Bolaris and Michael Barrow each totaling two (one on goal apiece), and Owen Wiebe, Ross Johnstone, Kai Peterson, Luke Pardoe, Till Stockmann, Michael Wilkerson, Bryce Even, and Markus Jonsson with one.

Goalkeeper Berk Watson got his first start of the season and recorded two saves.

UC Irvine jumped out to an early lead after Oscar Delgado scored in the sixth minute to give his team a 1-0 advantage. Christian Bond-Flasza scored in the 19th minute to take a 2-0 lead to halftime and Kelvin Nuemetzler added on in the 50th minute before Clausen got the Toreros on the board at the 65:36 mark.

USD is back in action on Sunday, September 19 when it travels to Cal State Fullerton to take on the Titans. Kickoff at Titan Stadium is set for 6 p.m.