RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Adam Zernik converted a free kick just a minute before halftime to provide the difference in the UC San Diego men's soccer team's 2-1 win over Cal Baptist in the first action of the season on Thursday evening in Riverside.

Gavin Lamming opened the scoring for the Tritons, punching home a goal off a corner kick in the 31st minute. However, UCSD (1-0) would surrender a penalty kick less than a two minutes later, allowing Willie Rupert to convert and make it 1-1.

UCSD nearly responded on its next possession, but CBU goalkeeper Joey Pacheco blocked consecutive shots from Tsuk Haroush and Elan Gefen to keep it tied. Minutes later, Triton net-minder Josh Cohen was called to task, saving a header from Tyler Garrison.

The Tritons earned a free kick when Kian Malek was fouled off the left edge of the box, about 22 yards out. Zernik struck the dead ball with a right boot, curling a shot far-post to beat Pacheco and make it 2-1 just before the break.

CBU (0-1) out-shot the Tritons in the second half, 6-5, but only 16 percent of the Lancers' 15 shots during the match were on frame. Conversely, the Tritons were able to pressure the Lancer goal by striking five of their 12 shots on-frame.

Cohen was forced to make only two saves thanks to a strong effort from the Triton back line.

UCSD looks to stay undefeated as the team takes on St. Martin's, Saturday at 6:00 p.m. on Triton Soccer Field.

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