UCLA men’s soccer (3-5-3, 3-2-1 Big Ten) will face off against No. 16 Michigan (7-2-3, 3-2-1) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Friday night. Although the Wolverines may boast a better overall record than the Bruins, both teams share the same conference record and are coming off wins against Big Ten opponents, with UCLA defeating Penn State last Friday and Michigan besting Ohio State Tuesday. Here is a scouting report from Daily Bruin staffer Mika McCaffrey.
Michigan
Goals per game: 1.92
Goals allowed per game: .92
X-factor: Goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson
The 2025 season has been rocky for UCLA. The team boasts a losing record across 11 games and has yet to win an away game coming into its matchup against a ranked Michigan team at the U-M Soccer Stadium.
Moreover, the Bruins currently average just one goal per game while forfeiting 1.18 goals per contest. However, the Wolverines allow less than one goal per game while scoring an average of 1.92 per affair.
Goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson, who sports a 68.6% save rate, is one of driving factors behind Michigan’s defensive success. Goldson has recorded five clean sheets this season. Even during the Wolverine’s recent 2-0 loss to then-No. 15 Maryland, the junior put up a season-high six saves.
The Wolverines have also demonstrated offensive prowess. Forward Michael Ramirez is a key part of the Michigan offense, and he has posted three goals on a team-leading 60% shooting percentage. Ramirez has also recorded three assists, which ties for second most on the team. And the Wolverines offensive fortitude isn’t limited to Ramirez. Nine players have recorded goals for the squad, including forwards Grayson Elmquist and Quin Rogers who each boast four goals.
The Bruins have proven they can challenge teams like the Wolverines, despite a low goal yield. The two adversaries have the same in-conference record, demonstrating comparable performances against a similar Big Ten slate.
The Wolverines only have one ranked win this season. Although UCLA has no ranked wins, it has tied two ranked teams thus far, including then-No. 18 Maryland who Michigan fell to 2-0 the following week.
UCLA brings its own slate of talent to Friday’s game. Redshirt sophomore forward Sergi Solans Ormo and freshman forward Francis Bonsu could be a dangerous duo if the latter – who sat out the Bruins’ last game – plays Friday. Since Solans Ormo leads the team in goals with four and Bonsu boasts a team-most three assists, the two could pose a threat to Michigan’s strong backline that Goldson anchors.
Solans Ormo has showcased his ability to score in bunches, recording a three-game goal streak earlier in the conference season. The Lleida, Spain, local’s offensive spark could help ignite the UCLA offense in Ann Arbor.
The Bruins will need to prioritize their possession time if they want to break through a strong Wolverine defense while counteracting the squad’s offensive efficiency.
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