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After defeating Seattle University 3-0, the UCLA Bruins punched their ticket to round two of the NCAA Tournament. They will travel to Morgantown, West Virginia to play #20 Nebraska.
UCLA started off strong with a goal in the first four minutes by Anika Rodriguez. Rodriguez had the lone goal for most of the game while UCLA continued to look for a second goal to strengthen their lead. Said goal came in the 60th minute after Zoey Goralski came running up the right flank to put the ball in the back of the net. The goal was the first of the season for her. The Bruins sealed the deal in the 83rd minute when Courtney Proctor sent in a ball into the box where Amber Munerlyn was there to tap the ball in. UCLA comfortably moved onto the next round.
After a comfortable win against Seattle, UCLA faces a bigger challenge against Nebraska. Nebraska is ranked #20 in the nation with a respectable record of 11-5-5. In their match Nebraska went into overtime, then double overtime, and eventually penalty kicks where they defeated South Dakota. With only two ranking spots separating the two teams, it will be a closer match than UCLA had against Seattle.
A big spotlight will also be on freshman Jessie Fleming. Fleming has gone five games without scoring a goal, Washington being the last team she scored against. However, she did put up an assist against Seattle. Her lack of goals come not from trying, but from being marked well. Everywhere she goes she’s completely swarmed and struggles to shoot on frame. Thankfully, her teammates are there when she can’t be. It’s an even bigger testament that this UCLA team is really a team.
#18 UCLA Women’s Soccer (14-5-1)
Opponent: Nebraska (11-5-5)
When: 12 PM PST, Friday, November 18, 2016
Where: Dick Dlesk Stadium, Morgantown, WV
Live Video/Audio Stream: wvusports.com
Live Stats: NCAA GameCenter
Go Bruins!!!