The opportunity for redemption has risen.

The Bruins outshot the Lions 24-7 in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. Yet, they were dealt a 1-0 shutout and an exit from the postseason.

“No one is satisfied with how we ended the season last year,” junior midfielder Cam Wilkerson said. “Even though we did really well in our conference, there’s no way that anyone could be satisfied with losing in the second round.”

As the possibility of revenge lingers, UCLA men’s soccer will open its 2024 season with a rematch against Loyola Marymount at Wallis Annenberg Stadium on Thursday evening – the first of its five-game homestand to start the year.

“Being at home in front of our own fans is a huge advantage this year for us, considering we have a new team with guys that are super excited to play at home in front of these fans, and, being rested and not having to travel so much,” Wilkerson said.

Before traveling to Evanston, Illinois, to begin Big Ten play against Northwestern, UCLA will face off against LMU, James Madison, Portland, Cal State Fullerton and Denver – all from the comfort of Westwood.

The Bruins enter the 2024 season having lost Jack Sarkos, Tucker Lepley, Ryan Becher and Sean Karani. The four former Bruins combined for 22 goals and seven assists in 2023 – or 65% and 18% of each respective team total.

Despite the loss of proven attack prowess, the squad has still retained an explosive offensive contingent. Headlining the Bruin attack is senior forward Andre Ochoa and redshirt senior forward Jose Contell – the veteran tandem that was responsible for a combined seven goals and 13 assists last season.

With 10 new players entering the program, coach Ryan Jorden may fare well with a seasoned member to shoulder greater responsibility – a task Ochoa said he’s prepared for.

“I feel like over the years, I’ve learned a lot from teammates, former captains and coaches to really take responsibility and be the one when times are tough and the group needs to come together,” Ochoa said. “I feel like I can embody that leader role and try to bring up the group when it’s needed.”

Ochoa, who was second in points for UCLA last season, will be joined by Contell and senior defenders Pietro Grassi and Pablo Greenlee as program veterans. The experienced quartet has combined for 184 games donning the blue and gold.

The Bruins’ battle against the Lions last year fell in the latter’s favor despite the former leading the game in shots, shots on goals and corners – perhaps an indication that domination by the numbers doesn’t indicate success.

“You can dominate the game a lot. We did that in November of last year. But, at the end of the day, they scored one more goal than we did,” Jorden said. “We want control, and you can do that when the score line reflects the favor for you.”

All eyes rest on Thursday as the duel will either give the Bruins shades of 2023 or a triumphant commencement to their 2024 revenge tour.