University of Washington
UCLA
No. 4 UW Controls Play, But Falls To No. 6 UCLA
October 24, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Results
SEATTLE – No. 4 Washington took an early lead and controlled most of the game, but fell Thursday night to No. 6 UCLA, 2-1. The Bruins scored two good goals against the run of play to take over first place in the Pac-12.
“It is a performance based game,” said head coach Jamie Clark. “In the end, we thought we did more than enough to win and that makes it tough when you lose. In many ways we felt we were the better side, but give them credit because they have found a way to win these games all season.”
The Dawgs entered the game tied atop the Pac-12 standings, but the Bruins took over sole possession of first place with 13 points. Washington has 10 points with four games to play, including Sunday when San Diego State comes to Husky Soccer Stadium.
Washington dominated play for much of Thursday's contest, outshooting the Bruins, 21-8. The Dawgs also had an edge on corners, 11-5, although both teams converted a chance.
The Huskies took an early in the third minute off a corner kick. Justin Schmidt sent in an inswinger and Ian Lange elevated over the defense to win a header. He nodded it near post for his second goal of the season and second in as many game off a corner kick.
UCLA tied it in the 37th minute with nearly an identical goal. 2013 Pac-12 Player of the Year Leo Stolz lofted a corner kick into the box and Aaron Simmons was able to win a header that got past Husky goalkeeper Spencer Richey.
The game would remain tied until the half, although the Huskies had multiple chances to reclaim the lead. Henry Wingo fired from distance on target in the 40th minute, but the save was made. Moments later, Cristian Roldan tried to sneak one near post from a tough angle, but his shot clanked off the post.
The second half began just like the first, but this time Lange's header nearly missed. Just two minutes into the half, Schmidt sent in another dangerous corner to the head of Lange, who flicked a header on goal, but it bounced off the cross bar.
The Bruins took the lead in the 54th minute off a counter-attack. Chase Gasper chipped a through ball into the box that Seyi Adekoya finished with one touch.
It appeared as if the Huskies would equalize on several occasions, but as it turned out the Bruin goal held up. The best chances were when Roldan forced UCLA keeper Earl Edwards into a tough save and later when Mason Robertson nearly scored on a flying volley, but it sailed over the bar.
The Dawgs held possession for the vast majority of the second half, but UCLA was able to defend in the box enough to secure the victory.
“They have a great goalkeeper and they don't give you the easy ones,” said Clark. “They make you earn it and create in tight spaces. Two weeks in a row we have pushed and pushed, but haven't had the quality in the final third.”
Washington will be back at it on Sunday at 3 p.m. when San Diego State comes to Husky Soccer Field. The Dawgs look to get back on track against the Aztecs for another game broadcast live on the Pac-12 Networks.
