University of Washington
UCLA
No. 1 Washington Falls At No. 14 UCLA
October 17, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Stats
LOS ANGELES – No. 1 Washington dropped its first game of the conference season, falling to No. 14 UCLA, 2-1. The back and forth game, stalled in the second half when a UCLA red card changed the dynamic of the game.
The free-flowing game showcasing two teams with great attacking talent changed in the 54th minute when UCLA striker Seyi Adekoya was given a second yellow card and was sent off. Up until that moment, No. 1 Washington (9-2-1, 2-1-1) and No. 14 UCLA (7-3-3, 2-1-1) were playing a fantastic game of Pac-12 soccer that showcased two of the most talented teams in the country.
In the first half, UCLA struck first in the 14th minute. 2013 Pac-12 Player of the Year Leo Stolz found just enough space to strike one into the upper corner.
Washington quickly responded, however. Darwin Jones and Mason Robertson subbed in for the Huskies and immediately the Dawgs took control of the game. Playing their attacking style, Washington began to create chances and found the equalizer in the 20th minute.
The Huskies attacked up the left side, but Justin Schmidt cut the ball back inside and sent in a perfect cross across goal. Waiting in the six-yard box was Josh Heard to tap home his sixth goal of the season. It was a great demonstration of both Schmidt's dangerous left foot and Heard's finishing, which has been on point all season.
The Dawgs continued to push forward, but got caught on a counter-attack in the in the 25th minute. UCLA had a two-man rush forward with Adekoya finding just a bit of space at the top of the box. He shot low and in the corner, leaving no chance for Washington goalkeeper Spencer Richey.
The game would remain tied until the half with Washington outshooting the Bruins, 8-6. Both teams looked dangerous all half in a great demonstration of Pac-12 soccer.
After the break, things changed with the red card in the 54th minute. Down to 10 men, UCLA changed tactics and began to sit on the lead. Washington had control of the game, but their attacking space disappeared and the game slowed to a crawl.
Still, the Dawgs had their chances, including a corner kick that Michael Gallagher headed on goal, but a UCLA defender was barely able to clear the ball off the goal line.
In the final moments of the game, the Dawgs desperately pushed numbers forward, but their balls into the box went for naught. UCLA hung on for a big Pac-12 victory, giving Washington their first conference loss.
The result opens things up in the Pac-12 as every team now has at least one loss. The Dawgs will next look to get three points on Sunday when they face San Diego State at 2:30 p.m. Washington won't wait long for the rematch with UCLA as the Bruins come to Husky Soccer Field on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
