UCLA
California
UCLA Tops Cal, 3-2, to Advance to the Quarterfinals
December 01, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Los Angeles, Calif. – On a wet and rainy night at Drake Stadium, the UCLA Bruins defeated the Cal Golden Bears, 3-2, to advance to the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. All scoring their first goals of the season, Chase Gasper, Brian Iloski and Jordan Vale powered the Bruins to their 13th victory of the season, moving UCLA within three wins of a National Championship.
“Tonight was a great win against a really good Cal team,” said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. “Our goals were all quality goals and timely goals as well. For us to respond after they scored their first goal, to make it 3-1, was very important to us winning the match. Ultimately, it was a really good team performance. We are excited to play North Carolina in the round of eight and we look forward to playing another really good team.”
UCLA (13-4-4) started the game strong, creating numerous offensive opportunities in the first half. The first breakthrough for the Bruins came in the 30th minute when left back Gasper darted into the box to get on the end of a Leo Stolz cross. The freshman got his shoulder in front of the Cal defender and head the ball firmly into the net on the far side to put UCLA up by one early on.
Just five minutes later, the Bruins would add a second score, this time from midfielder Iloski. After Grady Howe controlled the ball near the mid-stripe, he led Iloski into a pocket of open space in the attacking half. The sophomore took two touches and let a left-footed strike fly from 30 yards out, tucking it beneath the crossbar to give UCLA the two-goal advantage before the halftime break.
Cal (11-7-1) would answer early in the second half when leading-scorer Connor Hallisey channeled his inner Brian Iloski and scored a long-distance goal from the center of the pitch in the 49th minute. The senior sent a bending line-drive from 35-yards out just past the outstretched arm of Earl Edwards Jr. to put the Golden Bears in the scoring column.
Showing resiliency all night, the Bruins would respond with a third goal just six minutes later. It was UCLA leading-scorer Stolz once again providing the delivery into the box where Vale was waiting to volley the ball into the empty net from just a few yards out to regain the two goal lead for the Bruins. The tally proved to be the game-winner for UCLA despite conceding a 74th minute goal to Stefano Bonomo to make the final score tight.
In a one-goal game, the Bruin defense finished strong, anchored by senior goalkeeper Edwards Jr. The first team All-Pac-12 honoree controlled the penalty area all night for UCLA and allowed the Bruins to advance past the Golden Bears.
Tonight's win preserves UCLA's undefeated run against Cal in postseason play, bringing their record to 4-0 in NCAA Tournament contests. Additionally, the Bruins advance to the Quarterfinals for the 22nd time in school history.
UCLA will continue their tournament run on Saturday, December 6th at 5:00pm PT against the North Carolina Tar Heels. The game will be held at Drake Stadium and tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for youth and students with a valid identification.
