Nov. 9, 2007

Fullerton, Calif. -

A late-season run to a winning record meets its toughest challenge Saturday night when the Cal State Fullerton Titans host defending national champion UC Santa Barbara.

After an early conference loss, the Gauchos have returned to unbeaten ways and are back on top of the standings at 10-3-3 and 7-1-1. They beat the Titans, 1-0, on Oct. 6 in Goleta.

Fullerton (7-8-2, 2-5-2) has found its offense and fourth place with season-highs of three goals in each of the past two matches. Gabriel Farfan scored twice and twin brother Michael had the first goal in Saturday night's 3-1 win at UC Irvine. The Titans played a man up for 85 minutes and allowed only a penalty kick goal.

Goalkeeper Brent Douglas leads the Big West with a 0.70 goals against average and a .833 save percentage.

Fullerton suffered a pair of one-goal losses to UCSB last year -- one in overtime -- and lost a 1-0 decision in Goleta earlier this season.

Coach Bob Ammann's "from the bench"