Fishel Shines in Hometown Visit as UCLA Beats San Diego 2-0

San Diego native Mia Fishel made the most of her first hometown visit as a Bruin, scoring two second-half goals in a 2-0 UCLA win over the University of San Diego.

Fishel, who played two years of soccer and basketball at Patrick Henry HS, gave UCLA all the offense it needed, scoring her first goal of the night at 35:16. Defender Kylie Kerr started the play with a pass from midfield to Sunshine Fontes, who chipped it to Fishel. The junior lightly chested the ball down and then slotted it past San Diego goalkeeper Ellyn Casto for the goal, her fifth of the year.

Fishel's second goal was a beauty, just before the end of the half. After taking a pass from freshman Lexi Wright, Pac-12 assist leader Madelyn Desiano sent a left-footed cross into the box. Desiano's cross connected with Fishel, who beat Casto with a diving header.

Diving header by @miafishel10 for goal #6 this season! Freshman Lexi Wright, in her collegiate debut, gets the assist, along with, who else but @MadelynDesiano.#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/31Nj7woBif

— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) September 17, 2021

The third-ranked Bruins (7-0) continued to be dangerous on the offensive end with eight shots in the second half and 15 shots overall. Michaela Rosenbaum nearly scored in the 66th minute when her cross in front of goal just skimmed in front of the goal line. In the 86th minute, Janae DeFazio had a shot hit the post.

UCLA's defense held strong, allowing just three San Diego shots in the game while conceding none for the sixth consecutive game. Goalkeeper Lauren Brzykcy extended her shutout streak to 597 minutes.

The Bruins will return to San Diego on Sunday night to take on San Diego State at SDSU Soccer Deck at 6pm.