Men's soccer flawless at home

Whether it is the field, the fans or an intangible energy at Drake Stadium, the No. 9 UCLA men’s soccer team has made it nearly impossible for any visiting team to come to Westwood, put their feet up, and get comfortable.

The Bruins (8-3-2, 3-1-1 Pac-10) have dominated at home this season, having yet to lose a home game.

Even though they sometimes struggle with putting points on the board, the Bruins have not allowed a single goal at a home game this year, which is a source of great pride for them.

“I think that not allowing any goals is a tribute to the way we’ve defended as a team,” coach Jorge Salcedo said. “That’s something we’re going to try to keep intact this weekend – (to) not allow any goals for every home game.”

Salcedo is pleased with his team’s performance at home this season. He attributes the success to a combination of multiple factors.

“Our field is in very good condition, and (it) has been taken care of the whole year nicely. It’s a wide field, it’s a fast field,” Salcedo said.

“There are a lot of factors that make the guys feel comfortable, and in sports, a lot of confidence comes from feeling comfortable with your own surroundings.”

The Bruins have undoubtedly been playing with confidence lately, allowing just one goal defensively in over 790 minutes.

The one exception came about 390 game minutes ago, when the Bruins were playing away from Drake Stadium.

“I think probably one of the main things is just the atmosphere – just being at home, playing in front of your fans, friends and family,” junior defender Brandon Owens said.

“It just gives you that extra boost of energy.”

That energy has given the Bruin defense the ability to shut out all opponents who have visited Drake this year.

According to the players, the atmosphere created by UCLA fans helps the Bruins defend their turf and make sure no team can come in and get the best of them.

“When you’re at home, you’re around your fans, this is your place – no one comes into your place and runs you,” sophomore defender Marvell Wynne said.

“You run the game. You run the team. And you predict what’s going to happen.”

Although the Bruins have limited visiting teams this year, their success at home is nothing new. Their all-time record at Drake Stadium is 40-7-2 since 2000, when they first began playing home games there.

“If you look at UCLA’s overall record at home, it’s extraordinary,” Salcedo said.