COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sebastian Elney provided the game-winning header in overtime to lift No. 6 Maryland over No. 1 UCLA, 2-1, in front of a school-record 8,449 fans at Ludwig Field on Friday night. The Bruins forced overtime with an 80th minute strike from Abu Danladi, but the sophomore's goal wasn't enough to hold off the Terps.
"Tonight was a very good soccer game," said UCLA Head Coach Jorge Salcedo. "We saw two teams that played to win the game. The ebb and flow went back and forth for ninty minutes and through overtime. We can hold our head's high knowing we competed throughout the match. For the second week of the season, it was a very high level game. We have to learn from this game and continue to get better."
Maryland (2-0-1) came out of the gates fast and dominated the early action in the match. UCLA goalkeeper Juan Cervantes was forced to make some important early saves, including one within the first minute of play off of a header. However, the Bruins weathered the storm and settled down as the half went on.
UCLA (1-1) was able to string together a few good chances in the middle part of the first half, including a stellar strike off of the foot of freshman Jackson Yueill. After Danladi streaked down the left side of the pitch, he cut back towards the center and dropped off a pass to the top of the 18-yard box to Yueill. The rookie got off a strong right-footed shot, but his 28th minute bid went wide, squandering the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes for the Bruins.
At the half, UCLA was getting out-shot by Maryland, 11-3, and garnered less corners than the Terps, trailing, 5-1, in that category.
UCLA wasted no time taking control of the match in the second half, consistently peppering the Maryland net with chances. However, a counter-attack from Maryland proved devastating for the Bruins in the 67th minute. An attempted cross by the Terps was hit with a hand-ball by UCLA inside the 18-yard box, awarding Maryland with a penalty kick. Mael Corboz did not waste the opportunity, burying the chance in the far left side of the net to give the Terps the 1-0 lead.
The Bruins did not quit though and continued to put pressure on the Maryland backline. The attacking play finally paid off in the 80th minute when Danladi equalized for UCLA with an amazing strike from 25 yards out. Right after Maryland's keeper made a diving stop the play before, Danladi let a long shot rip that found the back of the net to tie the game, 1-1.
In overtime, the exciting play continued with each side generating chances. Maryland, however, found the winner six minutes into the extra period off of a header from Elney. Tsubasa Endoh served a cross into the penalty area where Elney soared above the Bruin defense to deliver with his head for the Terps victory.
In total, both teams recorded 16 shots in the game, but the Bruins out-shot Maryland, 13-5, from the second half on. Cervantes finished with five saves, while Terps keeper, Cody Niedermeier concluded the evening with six.
UCLA continues its east coast swing with a match against the 12th-ranked Georgetown Hoyas on Monday, September 7 at 10:00am PT. The game will be streamed live at www.GUHoyas.com, but requires a subscription to view.