There was a lot to be excited about heading into the 2025 season.
The Bruins featured the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation. Their front line, which struggled to produce all last season, now featured an MLS SuperDraft pick in redshirt sophomore forward Sergi Solans Ormo. And to put the cherry on top, coach Ryan Jorden added a new assistant coach who helped lead Oregon State to the College Cup in 2023.
After two consecutive campaigns culminating in first-round exits in the NCAA tournament, it felt like the Bruins had finally gotten their break.
But UCLA men’s soccer (0-1) fell 2-0 to UC Irvine (1-0) at Anteater Stadium Thursday night, changing the narrative around Jorden’s squad as they head into the fall. UCLA has not fallen to Irvine since 2013, winning six matchups and tying them in 2019.
The loss marks the first for Jorden in a season opener and the program’s seventh in the modern era, which is otherwise defined by a 43-9-7 record.
Irvine sealed its triumph over UCLA with two goals in the second half, both of which were assisted from set pieces.
The first score on the board came in the 64th minute, when defender Brady Treinen’s free kick from within Anteater territory landed in the offensive third. Midfielder Isaac Powell picked up the pass, dribbling the ball into the box and launching it near post past junior goalkeeper Wyatt Nelson.
Irvine concluded the shutout with a goal in the 82nd minute off a corner kick. Defender Nolan DiCenzo controlled the inbound ball and sent it between Nelson’s legs for the game-clinching clean sheet.
UCLA was unable to execute off set pieces and – despite dominating possession in the first half – never found the back of the net.
Solans Ormo served up two of the Bruins’ most convincing chances, both of which came in the first half in the 24th and 34th minutes, respectively.
The first chance came when fellow transfer junior forward Oliver Roche assisted a breakaway attempt, and the second try flew wide of the post.
Solans Ormo was one of seven players making their Bruin debut in the starting lineup Thursday night. Others included freshman trio forward Francis Bonsu, defender Ian Charles and defender Kian Concepcion, who all logged their first collegiate minutes.
The Anteaters, on the other hand, featured just four new players in their starting lineup, one of whom was Florida Southern transfer goalkeeper Joe O’Shaughnessy, whose two saves in his Division I debut helped blank the Bruins’ offense.
Irvine finished the game – which garnered the fifth-highest attendance in program history – leading in shots with 12, shots on goal with four, corner kicks with three and possession with a 61% clip.
The stifling performance was relatively unprecedented in a series the Bruins had dominated, boasting a 19-1-4 record.
The season opener will likely generate conversation – whether within the Bruin locker room or among fans – and how this conversation evolves is yet to be seen as the season, and a squad filled with new blood, takes shape.
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