Quest For Bru-104: College Cup/Soccer Final-4 (v. UNC) Open Thread

by Nestor on Dec 5, 2008 3:30 PM PST in Other Sports Comment 155 comments

We have another huge game on tap tonight in Bruin Nation.

As rye covered earlier this week the top-seeded UCLA soccer team is appearing in their sixth consecutive College Cup tonight.

Lauren Cheney is going to look strike early against UNC Tarheels, another number #1 seed and a dominant power in this game:

Photo Credit: The Oregonian (flickr)

She scored on that play (pictured above).

The game will be broadcast live from Cary, North Carolina on ESPNU starting at 4 pm PST. This should be an epic game. From rye’s notes:

Here are some numbers related either to the Bruins' season or the College Cup. 1) The Bruins have allowed only one goal in the NCAA tournament and only five goals all season. 2) With a win on Friday, the Bruins will reach the 23 win mark which would be a new school record. 3) UCLA has recorded three consecutive undefeated home seasons now, a streak of 55 matches. 4) Not only will the College Cup be comprised of four #1 seeds, but the four schools have a combined record of 92-2-5 this season.

Comments

Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 3:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Freshman Sydney LeRoux

Who has missed the NCAA tournament to play for the US in the Under 20 Women’s World Cup has a cup leading 5 goals heading into Sunday’s final.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 3:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The game will kick off at 4:13 pm PST

I’ll have a detailed play-by-play here for those who don’t have ESPNU or aren’t watching and if you’re watching, join in with your thoughts.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

If only ESPNU were more easily available.

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Live Stream

Found a live internet feed for the game at http://www.justin.tv/rambo_es

by truebluebruin on Dec 5, 2008 4:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!

Gotta love the internets.

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And they've switched

to Domincan League Baseball.

Gotta love the internets.

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

haha

No kidding! Channel is now totally stuck.

by truebluebruin on Dec 5, 2008 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And we're just about ready to get underway

It looks chilly in Cary, NC, which is about 30 minutes from Chapel Hill.

The Bruins are in their true blue, while the Tar Heels are in their whites.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Starting Lineups

The Bruins are in a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield

———-Cheney—————Larsen————-
———————-DiMartino—————————
—-Zerboni———————————-Lang—-
—————————Wright—————————-
Barnes——Cook—-Hardy——Wilmoth
————————-Thompson (GK)——————-

The Tar Heels are in a 3-4-3, also with a diamond midfield

——Noguiera——-Jones———McDonald——
—————————Averbuch———————————
——Heath——————————————Long———
—————————-Hawkins———————————
——GIven————Engen—————-Eveland—
————————Rodenbough (GK)———————-

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Tar Heels are clearly weary of the Bruin attack

They’re dropping their left and right midfielders deeper than usual to help defensively.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

6th minute

The Tar Heels earn a corner, which is pushed over the bar by UCLA keeper Thompson.

The second corner is headed away by UCLA.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Both teams are a bit jittery early on

A couple of uncharacteristic giveaways by both teams and both are playing faster than usual.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

9th minue

UNC gets a shot off from outside the box. It’s well struck, but easily handled by Thompson. The Tar Heels are finding space in the UCLA midfield.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC has controlled possession early

but with the exception of the corner, haven’t threatened the goal much. UCLA has been very organized defensively.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

11th minute

A bad giveaway in the midfield gives the ball to UNC and UCLA’s Kylie Wright is forced to foul. The free kick from 30-35 yards out is well wide of the net.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Man

Close to us getting a corner there

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC's 3-4-3 formation

Should give them the edge in possession, but they’re clearly vulnerable to the counter and the switch.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

14th minute

It looks like we seem to be getting our attack together a little better

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC Foul

Bruin free kick near the corner

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

15th minute

A good counter from the Bruins earns us a kick just outside the box, near the end line.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

16th minute

A great ball in on the free kick forces an excellent save from the UNC keeper. That was the best opportunity for either team thus far.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Their goalie

is a quite large

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

UNC gets themselves a quality chance thanks to some wonderful touches. Some quick, one tough soccer allows them to get off a dangerous that is mere inches above the waiting Tar Heel forward’s head. The Bruins did manage to clear.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

dangerous cross*

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

18th minute

Tarheels get the ball in deep. The cross goes just over the UNC players head.

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UCLA's McCall Zerboni has gone off

She had to be carried off the field and it does not look good as she’s examined by the trainers. Bad break for the Bruins because Zerboni has been great for them in the tourney.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

19th minute

The Tar Heels get another cross in, but the ensuing pass misses its target and goes out. The Tar Heels are awfully skilled and as a result, dangerous.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Zerboni has her cleats off and jacket on

I’d be shocked if she returned.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Rye for the play by play.

by dproduct on Dec 5, 2008 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

22nd minute

UNC corner, shot over the crossbar

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

22nd minute

UNC earns another corner, their third of the match,

It was a very poor ball, but a poor clearance gives the Tar Heels a chance. The chance is wasted though as the shot never threatened Thompson.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Summer Williams has replaced Zerboni at left midfield

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks lil as well.

by dproduct on Dec 5, 2008 4:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

23rd minute

UNC gets the ball to the top of the box, but the shot rolls slowly into Thompson’s awaiting arms.

The Tar Heels are beginning to take control of the run of play.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for these updates

To my inexperienced eye, the Bruins seems way too tentative thus far. Like they’re worried more about making mistakes than making plays. Kind of reminds me of the SC game last year.

And I think it’s a major disadvantage that we always have to play our Final Fours in 30 degree weather.

by insomniacslounge on Dec 5, 2008 4:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think early on they were a bit tentative but not so much now

UNC is a very talented team and their formation could make it seem like UCLA’s in tentative, but in reality, they just need to be more disciplined in their organization and they’re doing that. They’re attacking with 7 and we’re attacking with 6. They have an advantage there, but we should be able to find more space when we do go forward.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the insight

My soccer strategy is derived entirely from video games, so anytime I don’t see players constantly attacking, I get frustrated.

by insomniacslounge on Dec 5, 2008 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

FIFA is one of the better games out there. I’m obsessed. P.S., the newest version is fantastic.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

If UNC can have a College Cup near its campus regularly, can’t we get it at the Home Depot Center at least occasionally?

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

As always, the NCAA follows the money. They can get good crowds in both Cary, NC and College Station, TX (the two sites where the College Cup is almost always held) and don’t need to rent the facility for much. It would cost so much to rent out the HDC that there would be little to no profit.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

And I figured as much (same reasons why World Series for baseball and softball every year).

They did have the Men’s College Cup at the HDC about 4-5 years ago, for what it’s worth.

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

The 2004 College Cup was there, but AEG gave the NCAA a very favorable deal. They wanted to show the facility off to encourage youth teams to use the many fields they have there.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

29th minute

A wonderful ball from Lang plays Larsen on, but a poor touch put it out for a goal kick.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Crossing my fingers

looks like match is also showing at http://www.justin.tv/timmex

let’s hope it stays.

by truebluebruin on Dec 5, 2008 4:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Great find

I’ll cross my fingers too.

by gilbert on Dec 5, 2008 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

30th minute

Another giveaway from UCLA, this time in their own third, gives the ball to UNC and the subsequent cross is played to the top of the 6 yard box where each team only has 1 player. The Bruin defender does well to shield the Tar Heels attacker and it’s cleared.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

35th minute

The Bruins push forward after a nice spell of possession, but the attempted cross is blocked by a UNC defender.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 4:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nice

Dana Wall with some great defense on the left side

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Another cross by UNC

headed out by the defender

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea what I'm watching

but it’s exciting and you guys are great.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 5, 2008 5:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I've gotten behind on subs

UNC has brought on Bartock for McDonald, Briggs for Jones, Wood for Hawkins, Pfankuck for Nohueria and Moraca for Long.

We have brought on Wall for Larsen and Mathis for Barnes.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

37th minute

UNC gets off another good cross, but again, a UCLA defender is in perfect position and the ball is headed out. It’s amazing that UCLA can give away possession for so long and still always be in position. They’re amazingly disciplined defensively.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Howland like?

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 5, 2008 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Different strategies

as the soccer team is more passive and cerebral as opposed to in your face, but just as effective and committed to it.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Its amazing

Goals in what 25 games? Thats crazy

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Subs

Zadro for Lang for UCLA

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Missed that one

Thanks

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I, Also have No Idea What I'm Watching

But I’m hoping to learn from you guys by watching this on ESPNU and lurking.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 5:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bake 83 Bake

Kitchen Karma brings wins.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 5, 2008 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Shit

40th minute Penalty kick
Foul on Erin hardy

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ack...

Penalty kick.

by dproduct on Dec 5, 2008 5:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Crapppp

1-0 UNC

by dproduct on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

1-0 UNC

Penalty Kick put in just out of the reach of Tompson

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm Working

Oh crap. I know nothing about soccer, but that’s bad for us.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

41st minute

Penalty for UNC. A poor clearance attempt allows UNC to maintain possession and an incisive pass puts the ball on the Tar Heels attacks feet in the box where she’s taken down.

Thompson guessed corrently and goes to her left, but it beats her anyways. 1-0 UNC.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well

hopefully this will lead to us being a little more agressive

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Anyway, 66

I’m working on an eggnog cheesecake with a gingersnap crust.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 5:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

That will do it

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 5, 2008 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

has tomorrow's menu been set yet?

by bruinhoo on Dec 5, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Deciding

between Almond Roca brownies and whit chocolate macadamia nut cookies. I might do both..but the cheesecake will be perfectly set tomorrow, too. (I need another oven and a second fridge. :=p)

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 6:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

(oops, white chocolate.)

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 6:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sounds good either way

by bruinhoo on Dec 5, 2008 7:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We need

to get Di Martino some more touches shes simply amazing with the ball

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I expect Lang to go back to the midifield in the 2nd half

Larsen will be back up top and Lang may slide towards the center more. Then, DiMartino will probably have to drop deeper to receive the ball and look to spray it around as opposed to running at people.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Her pass led directly to the goal kick. She curved a nice ball back left to Cheney when everyone thought it was going right

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

44th minute, UNC 1-0

The Bruins have another nice spell of possession, at the end of which a shot is deflected wide for a UCLA corner.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

44th Minute

UCLA waiting for a corner and shot hits the side of the net

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

45th minute, UNC 1-0

A very poor ball in on the corner goes out of touch and the Bruins have wasted a chance.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Halftime UNC leads 1-0

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Halftime, UNC 1-0

The Tar Heels take their lead into half. I’ll have more detailed thoughts on the first half after I get some snacks.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well

Zerboni is being carried off the field so looks like she wont be playing in the 2nd half

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Way off topic

But they just showed Michigans womens basketball and their court. The Women’s 3 point line is yellow and the Men’s is dark blue. The women’s line is barely visible on TV

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

1st half thoughts

The Bruins were clearly content to stay organized in the back and defend, then look for the counter-attack. It worked pretty well early on as UNC controlled possession, but rarely threatened the goal and the Bruins were getting some opportunities coming forward, but the UNC outside midfielders are so fast that they track back and kill a lot of counter opportunities. We’re not the fastest team up front sot he counter strategy may not play to our strengths. This is the type of match where Sydney Leroux, who is with the US team in the U-20 World Cup, could be a huuuuuge asset. Unfortunately, she is not there and we’re going to have to adjust because the defend and counter strategy doesn’t work when you’re down.

In the 2nd half I expect Larsen to be back up front and Lang in the midfield again. Lang would then spend a lot of time tucked in, instead of out wide. This would be tough on us defensively because UNC’s US Olympian Tobin Heath would then have a lot of space with which to attack, but tucking in will allow DiMartino to drop deeper and receive the ball. She wouldn’t spend as much time running at defenders, but she will be able to spray the ball around more. I expect her to play more of a Riquelme role with the Argentine team as opposed to her normal role as Ronaldinho with Barca a couple years ago. That would leave our formation looking a little like this going forward:

————————-Cheney——————Larsen——————————
—-Williams——————————-Lang—————————————
—————————————DiMartino——————————————-
—————————————Wright————————————————-

I could also envision Wright going forward more and playing alongside DiMartino or being subbed out for a more offensive minded midfielder. Zerboni’s injury makes that tougher though because often Williams would be that sub who is more offensive minded, but she has to take Zerboni’s spot on the left so Wright may have to just push forward anyways.

The UNC three woman back line should be vulnerable if we can get their central midfielders pushing forward further to defend DiMartino so dropping her deeper could do that for us as well. If that happens and DiMartino can get Lang or Cheney the ball 1 v 1 then I’ll be very confident, especially with Larsen lurking for one of her patented ugly, but effective clean up goals.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

And we're underway in the second half

Let’s go girls!!!!! We got up 1-0 on USC last year and they came back so we know it can be done! Remember that and the only game in which we’ve trailed this year when we went down 1-0 to Wazzu and came back to win.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC

New goalie for UNC. More athletic of the 2

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

They've been doing this all year

Certainly a strange strategy, but you don’t question Anson Dorrance.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

DiMartino has dropped deeper in the first minute of this half

than she did at any point in the 1st half

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Through ball to Lang…right to the goalie. Best chance of the night for us

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oh Wow.

That was exciting.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Dec 5, 2008 5:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

48th minute, UNC 1-0

The Bruins play a great ball in behind the UNC defense and Lang gets off a mediocre shot that the keeper makes a great save on. Tough break for the Bruins.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ya

I wouldve loved to see a better shot fron Lang

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Another ball through to Lang

Shot goes wide but Lang was offsides anyway

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Lang is now on the left

with Williams on the right. Both are very far forward and Cheney has dropped a little deeper to try and hold the ball up and possess. Wright has also pushed forward some.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

DiMartino with a touch 15 yards behind the midfield stripe

She’s playing far deeper than usual, but is getting more touches.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I like this

Shes very good with the ball at her feet

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

She's fantastic

Usually our defense is pushed so far forward and Zerboni and Wright both control possession so well that she can push forward and run at defenders, but that’s not possible tonight.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

51st minute UNC 1-0

The Bruins have pushed players forward and as a result, have given UNC space in the back which UNC takes advantage of. They get two chances, but the UCLA defenders recover well to clear.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Foul

UNC foul just outside the box on the right

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

54th minute UNC 1-0

A great ball from DiMartino puts Cheney away towards goal where she’s fouled just outside the elbow of the box.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cross by Barnes

Caught by the keeper at the far post

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

55th minute, UNC 1-0

The ball on the free kick is just a bit too close to goal and the keeper does well to catch it.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

55th minte, UNC 1-0

An attempt clearance from a UCLA defender rolls up her shin and out for a throw. The ensuing throw and header plays the ball into the box where it lingers and is cleared out at the last moment. Nervous moment for the Bruins.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

THAT WAS...

CLOSE…

by dproduct on Dec 5, 2008 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

57th minute, UNC 1-0

A great cross by UNC forces Thompson off her line. She comes out and does well to catch the ball, just beating a UNC head to the ball.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

rye

I’m impressed. Is there any sport you can’t analyze at a high level? Hurling? Australian football? Guys who know football and basketball are a dime a dozen, but you, sir, are comprehensive in your sports knowledge.

by Tetelestai on Dec 5, 2008 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Haha thanks

Well I know soccer rather well. When it comes to sports like volleyball, water polo, etc., I just know what I’ve picked up from spending inordinate amounts of time at UCLA sporting events since I was about 5.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree

You learn quite a lot from UCLA sports because all of our teams are so good

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

worst case scenario is you don’t get what you’re watching, but it’s fun because UCLA is winning. If you do that enough, you pick up on things.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Crazy

What sports have you played on an organized level?

by Tetelestai on Dec 5, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In high school I played baseball and soccer

but at other times in my life I played football and basketball as well.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Makes sense

Keep up the good work!

by Tetelestai on Dec 5, 2008 5:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

61st minute, UNC 1-0

Another fantastic ball from DiMartino puts Lang away down the left flank, but the cross is cleared easily.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Subs for UCLA

Whitney Sharpe and ? in for Larsen and Wright

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Catherine Calvert is the other player in

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There we go

Thanks

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The game has gotten ugly

both teams are taking kicks at it, but neither team seems to have any control. The Bruins need a ball to bounce their way here.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'd like

to see us take the ball wide and send in a few crosses

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Without Zerboni

we lack speed on the flanks. It’s tough. The impact of losing Zerboni’s cannot be underestimated.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ya

I would have liked to see Mathis take that one outside instead of trying to play it into the middle

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

22.24 left in the match

ESPN tv timeout

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

For any Laker fans out there

We’re up 87-72 after 3.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Larsen back in for UCLA

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC is starting to drop more players back

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

21 minutes left

UCLA with the corner from the right

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

69th minute, UNC 1-0

The Bruins earn a corner after a great ball from Lang.

The Bruins get a few chances at possession in the UNC third, but never threaten the goal.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

For UCLA

Wright and Barnes back in

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

70th minute, UNC 1-0

UNC gets away with what I thought was a hand ball. We would have had a dangerous kick had it been called.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

it was

but a tough call to make

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 5:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I thought it was a hand ball, but wasn’t so sure about it.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

71st minute, UNC 1-0

A great pass from UNC puts an attacked in alone by the end line, but she slips and it goes out of touch.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

73rd minute, UNC 1-0

The Tar Heels are a bit too ambitious from 30 yards out and the shot is easily handled by Thompson. It was never dangerous.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 5:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Right now

we need to settle down and ket a good attack going

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 6:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

74th minute, UNC 1-0

The Bruins have numbers going forward, but DiMartino takes a rare bad touch and it gets too far out in front of her. The UNC defender knocks it away and the attack is finished.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

75th minute, UNC 1-0

A quick throw from Williams frees Cheney along the left wing. She plays it forward to Lang and her cross goes wishing as no Bruins is in the box.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

76th minute, UNC 1-0

DiMartino has a play similar to the one that netted her the game winner over Stanford. She takes a few touches, turns and fires from 22 yards out, but it’s right at the keeper instead of the upper corner.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hockey sub/Line change

for UNC 5 players in

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 6:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UNC has never been afraid to sub

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

79th minute, UNC 1-0

UNC gets a corner when a UCLA clearance takes a spinning bounce out of touch.

The corner is headed, but well wide of goal and Thompson picks it up easily.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

80th minute, UNC 1-0

Wright plays a great ball in behind the defense along the left flank. Mathis gets to it and crosses, but it’s cleared.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

81st minute, UNC 1-0

UNC counters and gets a ball into the box. The shot forces a solid save from Thompson who has looked strong tonight.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

84th minute, UNC 1-0

Barnes with a great cutback gets her into the box where she’s dragged down. It could have been a penalty (I’d like to see a replay), but the ref waves play on.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

5 minutes left

Barnes taken down inside the box no call. Handball on UNC ball sent in Cheneys header went wide

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 6:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

And by wide I meant at the goalkeeper

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 6:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

85th minute, UNC 1-0

The Tar Heels almost give up an own goal. A free kick is deflected by a UNC defender on goal, but the keeper is there to make the save.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

86th minute, UNC 1-0

The Tar Heels attack and their forward is taken down at the of the box. She appeals for a foul or penalty, but the ref will have none of it. It’s clear neither team will get help from the ref late in this match.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

at the top of the box**

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fantastic possession play from UNC

The Bruins haven’t been able to get the ball, killing any chance for a comeback. Come one girls, find a way!

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

How much time left?

GameTracker quit updating on me…

by truebruin on Dec 5, 2008 6:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Gameover

UNC wins 1-0

by lil eg not cs on Dec 5, 2008 6:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Game over, UNC 1-0

More heartbreak for the Bruins as they fall in their sixth consecutive College Cup. It was still a fantastic season and you cannot underestimate the difficulty of getting this far. The team worked hard until the final whistle and never gave up. While they came up short, this team was amazing and congrats to the seniors. While they never did get a title, four College Cup appearances in four years is nothing to sneeze at. You’ve all had great careers.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 5, 2008 6:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs