Cal Battles, But Falls To Bruins In Overtime
LOS ANGELES – California women's soccer controlled the first half and battled throughout, but ultimately fell short against No. 5 UCLA. The Bruins scored the winner in double overtime to claim a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.
The Bears had the best of the early portion of the game, recording the first three shots of the game, all in the opening 30 minutes. The Bears controlled possession and the opportunities. Kaylee Nguyen received a layoff pass and her shot from the top of the box went just over the bar. A few minutes later, Westin drove through the midfield, then sent a ball to the right flank, where Karlie Lema was able to get on the ball and sting a shot off the gloves of UCLA goalkeeper Lauren Brzykcy.
The Bears held UCLA without a shot for the first 29 minutes of the game, and UCLA's first opportunity was blocked before even getting into the box.
In the 32nd minute, Marleen Rohde latched onto a loose ball at the top of the box and fired a dipping volley that went just over the bar. The Bears outshot UCLA, 7-2, in the first half as they controlled the game.
In the second half, UCLA had the majority of the chances, taking 11 shots and forcing four saves from Angelina Anderson. Anderson was up to the task as she stood up to deny Reilyn Turner after Turner collected the ball at the back post. She then saved an outside shot from Olivia Athens to her left. Anderson saved her best for last as she tipped a shot from Marley Canales over the bar.
In the 89th minute, UCLA played a cross from the right flank and the ball came all the way to the back post. Athens got on the end of it, but Skylar Briggs flew in to make the block and pop the ball in the air, which Anderson was able to collect comfortably.
The Bears recorded six shots in the second half as Lema recorded a shot on goal. Emma Westin had a great opportunity with one of the last kicks of regulation as she fired a shot from the top of the box, but just missed.
Anderson recorded another save in overtime, before UCLA was able to find the winner. Jayden Perry and Brianne Reilly combined on the right flank and then Reilly played a ball into the box. Mia Fishel volleyed the ball into the corner of the net to give the Bruins the victory in the 104th minute.
Cal (8-6-3, 4-5-1) held UCLA (15-0-3, 7-0-3) to less than two goals for only the seventh time this season.
The Bears will wrap up the regular season next Saturday as they travel across the Bay to take on No. 9 Stanford. The rivalry matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and be broadcast on Pac-12 Bay Area.