As the second half of the season approaches, the Bruins have an opportunity to add two more tallies to the win column this week.

No. 20 UCLA men’s soccer (5-2-1, 1-0-1 Pac-12) will face off against Oregon State (3-2-1) and No. 2 Washington (7-0-1) at home Thursday and Sunday, respectively. The Bruins are riding a two-game winning streak after failing to record a win in their three previous games.

After recording their first loss of the season against Grand Canyon on Sept. 5, the Bruins dropped a second consecutive match 0-2 at Portland the following week before battling to a 0-0 stalemate at Stanford.

“The Grand Canyon game was a disappointing one for us because we had to do it with 10 men,” said coach Ryan Jorden. “We lost the game at Portland, which was physically stressful as it was immediately after the Grand Canyon game. Stanford is a hard place to get a result, and we came away with a point, which was great.”

The blue and gold have since rebounded, winning 2-1 against Cal and 1-0 against Cal State Fullerton. Jorden said he was proud of the team’s progress this season.

“I think this season has been very good for us,” Jorden said. “I think we’ve played some very good teams and gotten results. We’ve also continued to grow and get better, and I’ve been really pleased with the group.”

Both of UCLA’s next matchups – Oregon State and Washington – are familiar Pac-12 opponents. The Bruins split the season series against the Beavers last season while the Huskies emerged victorious in both matches with the blue and gold.

“Oregon State loves to build out from the back,” said redshirt senior midfielder Jose Sosa. “They’re really good at it, and it’s what they’re known for. But we’ve watched a lot of film, and we’re going to outwork them, and get the W.”

Sosa, who has recorded three assists on the season, said his coach and player dynamic with Jorden thus far has allowed him to flourish on the field.

“I’ve known coach for almost five years now,” Sosa said. “Just having his confidence in me really dictates what I can do on the field and what I can do as a leader for my teammates.”

Sophomore midfielder Charlie Crockford – whose twin brother is sophomore goalkeeper Nate Crockford – said he has also benefited from the brotherhood and competitive culture of the team.

“My confidence has really increased compared to last year. I’ve started to learn the system – what coach and his staff are looking for,” Crockford said. “It’s been great to have a year under my belt and mature as a player.”

UCLA will kick off against Oregon State on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, and then continue its homestand against Washington at 4 p.m. on Sunday.