The Pacific men’s soccer program is set to host two of its most storied opponents this week, welcoming UC Davis and UC Irvine to the comfortable confines of its home stadium in Stockton, California. The matches mark the Tigers’ first regular‑season appearances of the 2026 campaign and arrive on the heels of a 3‑2 victory over Utah Tech that has infused the squad with confidence.
Head coach Andres Ochoa has emphasized discipline and attacking flair, and his game plan is already bearing fruit. Freshman forward Fateh Singh has emerged as a decisive factor, netting two goals and contributing four points across the opening two fixtures. His early impact has been complemented by the defensive solidity of senior goalkeeper Alejandro Caracheo Luna, who has already logged 15 saves and sits atop the West Coast Conference with a 7.50 saves‑per‑game average.
The Tigers’ offensive breakthrough was not limited to Singh. Sophomore Edwin Moreno and senior Massimo Erfani each recorded their first career goals in the win over Utah Tech, illustrating a depth that could prove vital as the schedule intensifies. Luca Baltzer and Muharif Abdul‑Kadir also found the net in a 2‑1 road triumph on September 18, 2025, underscoring the team’s balanced scoring threat.
Between the attacking pieces and the reliable hands between the posts, Pacific’s midfield has begun to click. Midfielder Talin Morgan, who guards the goal for the Tigers, has already posted a 2.50 goals‑against average in his first two appearances, a statistic that places him among the conference’s most dependable keepers.
UC Davis enters the week with a 0‑2 start, having dropped both of its opening matches while still managing to score three goals, including a dramatic halftime comeback against Sacramento State. Their goalkeeper, Talin Morgan, will face a familiar foe in the Tigers, and the Aggies hope to reverse a three‑game losing streak against Pacific that dates back to a 2‑1 road win on September 18, 2025.
UC Irvine, the defending Big West champions, arrive with a 1‑0‑1 record after a 3‑3 draw with Oregon State and a 3‑1 victory over LMU. Senior forward Gage Lyons leads the Anteaters with two goals and an assist, while net‑minder Joe O’Shaughnessy boasts a 2.00 goals‑against average in his starts. The team is slated to finish second in the 2026 Big West preseason poll, a projection that adds pressure to maintain early momentum.
Historically, the series between Pacific and UC Davis is tightly contested, standing at a 4‑4 tie, while the Tigers hold a slight edge over UC Irvine, having won three of the four meetings. The most recent encounter in 2019 saw Pacific triumph 4‑2 at home, and the last meeting in Irvine resulted in a 3‑0 Anteaters victory. The upcoming fixtures therefore carry both competitive and nostalgic weight.
A pivotal week for the Tigers
Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+, with commentator Kyle Morrison handling the play‑by‑play duties on Thursday and Sunday. The broadcast promises to showcase the emerging talents and high‑stakes atmosphere that could shape the trajectory of the Tigers’ season.