California Baptist University men’s soccer defeated UC Irvine 1-0 on October 31, 2026, in Riverside, California, securing the program’s 12th win of the season, a new single-season record since transitioning to Division I in 2018. Senior midfielder Drew Hardin scored the only goal on a penalty kick in the 20th minute, while freshman goalkeeper Ulrik Stroem recorded his eighth shutout of the season with two saves.
The Lancers finished their regular season with a 12-3-2 record and hold a 2-0 season series advantage over UC Irvine. Ranked No. 42, California Baptist’s victory over No. 43 UC Irvine qualified as a quad two RPI victory, boosting their postseason standing.
California Baptist head coach Coe Michaelson praised his team’s performance against an excellent UC Irvine squad, noting the professional effort despite some inefficiency in the final third. The Lancers will host a semifinal game of the Pac-12 Tournament on November 7 at 7 p.m. against San Diego State University.
CSB Take
California Baptist’s record-setting win over UC Irvine marks a significant milestone in the program’s Division I history and demonstrates the team’s growing competitiveness in the Pac-12 Conference. Drew Hardin’s reliable scoring and Ulrik Stroem’s outstanding goalkeeping have been key to the Lancers’ success this season. Hosting a Pac-12 Tournament semifinal game offers a valuable opportunity to capitalize on their momentum and vie for further postseason achievements.
Source: Original report
More coverage: California Baptist Lancers.
