Bears can emerge from hibernation in a state zoologists refer to as “hibernation hangover” – sluggishness, inconsistency and a lack of rhythm during their initial moments post-rest.
And the Bruins seem to be entering the 2025 season in a similar situation.
UCLA men’s soccer (0-2-0) will have the opportunity to shake off a slow start in its match against Cal State Fullerton (1-0-1) at Wallis Annenberg Stadium on Thursday night. Not only are the Bruins coming off a last-minute loss against in-state rival California, but they have opened the season with two losses for the first time under coach Ryan Jorden.
“It’s a work in progress towards getting to a place where we can play at the standard consistently that we want to,” said Jorden.
Team chemistry has been a key factor in Jorden’s journey towards turning this talented team into a consistent unit. However, the flair and energy that have fueled four straight NCAA tournament appearances for the Bruins has largely appeared absent in their past two contests.
In its first two matches against California and UC Irvine – two teams that recorded .500 records last season – UCLA was outshot 26 to 10, averaging only five shots a game with a 0.300 shot-on-goal percentage, and were unable to find the net. In their game against the Golden Bears specifically, the Bruins’ attack was shut down entirely in the second half – the team was outshot 12 to zero and recorded zero corner kicks.
However, the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation – featuring eight players who’ve made their collegiate debut – looks to bounce back against a tough Titans team that has beaten the Bruins soundly the past two seasons.
Sophomore midfielder Tamir Ratoviz and junior defender-turned-midfielder Philip Naef – the two leading assistants on last year’s squad – could be apart of getting transfer-redshirt sophomore forward Sergi Solans Ormo back into rhythm.
As a freshman at Oregon State, Ormo recorded 14 goals in 16 appearances – seventh in the nation seasonwide – and was named WCC Offensive Player of the Year while receiving Third Team All-American and United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors. In his two games as a Bruin, Ormo has failed to score or assist, only having taken three shots in 134 minutes.
“You got to score when you have those moments that we should have,” Jorden said following Sunday’s defeat. “It’s for us to be able to go ‘How do we get a longer duration of control over the game?’”
Senior midfielder Tarun Karumanchi and transfer graduate defender Drew Brown aim to fortify the backline against a Titan team without their three leading goal scorers from last year. However, Fullerton brings a balanced style of play that has proved to be resilient in its first two games. Its season-opening draw against Oral Roberts was highlighted by a furious comeback, scoring two goals in the last ten minutes of the match to come back and salvage a draw.
In their second contest against Tulsa, forward Fitz Williams found the back of the net for the Titans in a 1-0 victory, despite the team playing shorthanded.
The Titans’ match against the Golden Hurricanes was highlighted by a strong defensive performance. Even after an early red card forced them to play a man down, the Fullerton defense was able to hold Tulsa to just six second-half shots. Freshman goalkeeper Asger Hemmer also recorded four saves in the final forty minutes, earning him Big West Freshman of the Week honors.
If chosen for the starting role, UCLA’s freshman goalkeeper Ryan Tiltack will have the opportunity to perform similar heroics following a solid performance – two saves and a last-minute goal allowed in his first collegiate start against Cal. However, junior keeper Wyatt Nelson is also in contention for the job, as his two Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week awards and three shutouts – one in the Big Ten tournament – last season make a compelling résumé.
“We’re always pushing each other each practice. … We’re all hyping each other up,” remarked Tiltack. “It’s a really positive environment.”
Regardless of who starts in net for the Bruins, the aforementioned Williams, senior forward Mario Carlos and sophomore midfielder Jose de la Torre are all coming off ten-point seasons and are looking to continue that success into this year’s campaign.
Slow offensive production, a dangerous and resilient opponent and questions in goal all remain concerns. Yet, even with everything considered, the Bruins will still bring confidence into their second home game of the season.
“I still think this team’s really talented,” said Karumanchi. “The goal is still to be unbeatable.”
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