Huskies Fall To UCLA On Three Penalty Kicks

Sunday, October 4

Seattle, WA

7:00 PM

University of Washington

5-2-3, 1-1-0Pac-12

UCLA

5-5-0, 1-1-0Pac-12

OT 3

OT 4

UCLA

Washington

Photo by: Washington Athletics

October 05, 2015 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Washington Athletics

Box Score | Highlights

SEATTLE – No. 15 Washington and UCLA battled for 107 minutes before the Bruins were awarded their third penalty kick of the match, converting for a 3-2 victory. Ryan Herman actually saved the final PK, but the rebound went right to UCLA's Jose Hernandez who tapped in the game winner.

It was an unfortunate way for the Huskies to drop their first game of the season at home and their first in Pac-12 play.

“It's incredibly frustrating when the guys on the field do so well and the game is taken from them,” said head coach Jamie Clark.

The two teams battled to a scoreless draw at the half, despite the Huskies having their share of chances. Quentin Pearson got on the end of a pair of headers on set pieces, but could not put one past the UCLA goalkeeper.

Things really got going after the break, however, as the match became influenced by the officials with four penalty kicks being awarded. UCLA took a 1-0 lead when a tripping foul was called just inside the box. Hernandez chipped that penalty in for the goal and the Bruin lead.

The Dawgs would respond after the half, earning a PK of their own. Justin Schmidt sent in a long ball off a free kick and Michael Gallagher was dragged down by a UCLA defender as he looked to get on the end of a header. Converting that PK was Ian Lange, his second of the season.

The Huskies would then take the lead in the 78^th minute, again coming off a free kick. For the game, 53 fouls were called, giving plenty of set-piece opportunities. For this chance, Schmidt took full advantage, scoring on a bending drive from 30 yards out. The goal was of the spectacular variety and appeared as if it might be the just ending as Washington had begun to dominate play.

Things would change again in the 80^th minute when UCLA was awarded a second penalty kick, again coming on a foul right at the edge of the box. This time the Bruins' Jackson Yueill converted and the game was tied.

Still the Dawgs battled on despite the unfortunate turn of events and nearly retook the lead in the 83^rd minute. Again Person got on the end of a corner kick, knocking it down in the box where Gallagher volleyed on goal, but it bounced off the cross bar.

The match would head to overtime and then a second OT period. Josh Heard had the best chance in the 103^rd minute when his turn and volley was headed toward the far post, but blocked by a UCLA defender.

That set up the decisive penalty and third PK called against the Dawgs. Ryan Herman came out to punch away a cross and was upended, leaving an open goal for the Bruins. Their shot from point-blank range bounced off Pearson who was in front of goal, but it was called a hand ball. Pearson was sent off for what was the 11^th card of the game and UCLA had a third chance from the spot.

Herman made the initial, sprawling save, but there was nothing he could do with the rebound as the Bruins finished off the controversial match.

Despite the loss for the Huskies, there was plenty to build on as the Dawgs played well against the side that came into the season ranked No. 1 in the country.

“We were really, tough, good and committed,” said Clark. “We created enough chances. We made them feel really uncomfortable.”

Next up for the Dawgs is another tough weekend of games, traveling to the Bay Area to face No. 3 Stanford and California. The Cardinal host the Huskies on Friday night at 8 p.m., while Washington plays in Berkeley on Sinday at 3 p.m. Both games will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.