UCLA
UC Santa Barbara
UCLA Stays Undefeated on the Road with Victory over UC Santa Barbara
September 21, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Santa Barbara, Calif. - The second-ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 1-0 on a goal from reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year Leo Stolz tonight at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara.
“We came to Santa Barbara to get a win and that's exactly what we did,” said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. “From beginning to end we fought really hard, we made the plays we needed to make and we walked away with another great road victory. We have four of them on the season [road victories] and we'll continue to get better with some plays that need a little bit more quality. But, you have to be happy with another shutout and another victory tonight on the road.”
The UCLA Bruins (4-1-2) received the game-winner from Stolz, his third goal of the season, in the 38th minute to top UC Santa Barbara (2-3-1). The senior midfielder tucked the ball neatly in the bottom left corner from the top of the 18-yard box after controlling a deflected ball with his chest.
In addition, Bruins goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. shined again for the Bruins in net. Edwards Jr. recorded his third straight shutout, fourth of the season, with a four-save effort. The senior keeper has not conceded a goal since the first half against New Mexico, bringing his consecutive shutout streak to 369 minutes.
In the first half, the Bruins struggled early, but Edwards Jr. was the calming force in the back. Edwards Jr. totaled three of his four saves in the opening frame including one from five yards out which robbed Axel Mendez in the 20th minute.
The Bruins improved their overall play in the second 45 minute period, boasting their defensive prowess. The strong play of the back four allowed UCLA to control the pace and keep the ball away from their box. The best chance of the half came in the 60th minute when Stolz led Felix Vobejda into the box whose re-direction on net was scooped up by Gauchos goalkeeper Josh McNeely.
Overall, the Bruins were outshot 12-8 by UC Santa Barbara, however UCLA put five of their attempts on net compared to the two on net for the Gauchos. William Cline and Andrew Tusaazemajja received yellow cards for the Bruins while Nick DePuy and Axel Mendez were also booked for the Gauchos.
UCLA will be back in action on Friday, Sept. 26 when they travel to play San Diego. Kick-off is set for 7:00pm PT.
