:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61759637/Team2_100718_VsOSU.0.jpeg)
The UCLA Bruins men’s soccer team looks to keep up their stellar defensive play when they travel down the 5 freeway to face the San Diego State Aztecs.
Last Time Out
The UCLA Bruins won their second consecutive game in shutout fashion, beating the visiting Oregon State Beavers by a score of 1-0. The win improved the Bruins to 7-4 overall, and 3-1 in conference play.
The Bruins controlled all facets of the game, and were finally able to breakthrough in the 79th minute with a goal from Kike Poleo in the 79th minute. The goal was his first of the season and it sure was in dramatic fashion!
UCLA breaks through!
— UCLA Men's Soccer (@UCLAMSoccer) October 7, 2018
Kike Poleo and Matt Hundley play a little give and go in the box, then Kike bangs a shot off the left post and in for his 1st goal of the year.
UCLA leads 1-0 with less than 10 mins remaining. Tune in here >> https://t.co/x4fxqBC9xK#GoBruins | #UCLAvsOSU pic.twitter.com/ma3D0A5aXA
The Oregon State Beavers were held without a shot until a last minute desperation header that sailed over the crossbar as time was expiring. UCLA’s defense has been absolutely phenomenal the last few matches, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into their weekend clash with the SDSU Aztecs. Remember kids, defense wins championships.
San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs come into their contest with the Bruin standing with a record of 5-5-1 and a 1-3 conference record. They’ve lost three of their last four games, but typically fare pretty well at home where they are 5-2.
San Diego State’s offense has struggled this season, as they’ve only managed to net 12 goals this season. Their quest for goals will not get any easier with a scorching hot UCLA Bruins defense coming into town. The Aztecs average a little over one goal per game, so needless to say, they’ll have their work cut out for them offensively.
Much like the Bruins, the Aztecs are solid on defense, only allowing 14 goals this season and allowing their opponents to shoot 8.9 shots per game. By all means, this game has a final score of 1-0 written all over it. SDSU has also racked up 18 yellow cards this season, so it’ll be interesting to see just how aggressive the Aztecs are defensively against the Bruins. One costly foul can lead to an excellent opportunity for UCLA.
Outlook
The Aztecs have failed to chalk up a win against a quality opponent this season, and it doesn’t get any easier with the 21 ranked Bruins waltzing into town. Although this game will likely be a low scoring affair, this should be another win for the UCLA Bruins to push their win streak to three games.
Go Bruins!