Soccer Game Preview: University vs. Irvine

The University Trojans and the Irvine Vaqueros will compete for holiday cheer at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. University's last three matches have been decided by no more than a goal, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

University is likely headed into the matchup with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Portola on Friday. The Trojans fell just short of the Bulldogs by a score of 1-0. The loss put an end to University's undefeated start to the season.

Meanwhile, Irvine fell victim to Northwood and their airtight defense on Friday. They lost 5-0 to the Timberwolves. The loss continues a trend for Irvine in their meetings with Northwood: they've now lost three in a row.

Having lost for the first time this season, University fell to 3-1. As for Irvine, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.

University was able to grind out a solid win over Irvine when the teams last played back in January, winning 2-0. Will the Trojans repeat their success, or do the Vaqueros have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.