The UCLA men’s soccer team tied defending Conference USA
champion St. Louis 2-2 in its first exhibition game of the season
on Aug. 23, behind two Tim Pierce goals in the final 13
minutes.
Pierce, one of six seniors on the 2002 squad, got assists from
senior midfielder Ryan Futagaki and freshman forward Evan Corey in
the 78th and 90th minutes, respectively.
The Bruins were ranked fifth in the country by College Soccer
News, and the Billikens eighth, entering the game.
Eight starters return from last year’s team that finished
the season 12-7-4, No. 15 in the country: Pierce (10 goals, 2
assists in 2001), Futagaki (3 goals, 3 assists), senior defender
Scot Thompson, junior goalie Zach Wells (0.85 GAA, 9 shutouts),
junior midfielder Adolfo Gregorio (2 goals, 2 assists), junior
forward Cliff McKinley (4 goals, 2 assists), junior forward Matt
Taylor (7 goals, 2 assists) and junior midfielder Dru Hoshimiya (2
goals, 2 assists). First-year head coach Tom Fitzgerald (who has
previous head coaching experience in Division II and the major
league) leads the team.
UCLA begins play in the Cal State Fullerton Tournament on Aug.
30 against Boston University at 5 p.m.