Briefs: OC Blues’ Popara honored

Orange County Blues FC midfielder Pavle Popara made the United Soccer League’s Team of the Week after scoring twice in the Blues’ 2-1 come-from-behind win at the Real Monarchs SLC in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday.

The Serbian midfielder helped Orange County (9-8-3, 30 points) remain in the top six in the Western Conference playoff picture.

The Blues return to action on Saturday, when they play host to the Austin Aztex (7-10-3, 24 points) at UC Irvine at 7 p.m.

— From staff reports

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‘Eaters No. 20

UC Irvine is ranked No. 20 in the National Soccer Coaches Assn. of America men’s preseason poll released on Monday.

The Anteaters, who wound up No. 14 in the final 2014 poll after reaching the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament and compiling a 16-6-3 record, have now made the preseason top 25 six of the last seven seasons.

UCI began last season at No. 16 and rose as high as No. 3 during the season, during which it was in the top 10 for five weeks.

Coach Chris Volk begins his second season at the helm when the ‘Eaters open the season Aug. 16 at UNLV.

UCI visits No. 1-ranked UCLA on Sept. 27, while Creighton, ranked No. 6 in the preseason, plays host to the Anteaters on Sept. 6.

Big West Conference representatives Cal State Fullerton and UC Santa Barbara received votes, but were not ranked.

— From staff reports