University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA
New Mexico
#1 UCLA Earns 1-0 Win over New Mexico
August 30, 2015 | Men's Soccer
LOS ANGELES – The No. 1 ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the New Mexico Lobos, 1-0, on Saturday night at Drake Stadium behind a second-half strike from freshman defender Malcolm Jones. The rookie center back finished a rebound from five yards out to propel the Bruins to the opening night victory.
“This afternoon, we did what we needed to do to win the game,” said UCLA Head Coach Jorge Salcedo. “Our overall performance was good and one that we can build on to get better for our next match against Maryland.”
UCLA (1-0-0) put together numerous scoring chances from the outset, looking to snag an early lead on the Lobos. Just five minutes into the match, sophomore striker Abu Danladi intercepted a pass at midfield with just one defender back. Danladi sprinted up the right side of the pitch and struck a firm ball towards the near post, but his bid was denied by Lobo keeper Jason Beaulieu.
New Mexico (0-1-0) needed Beaulieu to come up big again later in the first half when freshman midfielder Jackson Yueill had his turn on net. In the 32nd minute, Yueill and Danladi executed a precise give-and-go that set up the freshman for a strike from the top of the 18-yard box. Yueill let a strong right-footed blast go on net, but it was Beaulieu there again to make the stop.
At the half, UCLA was being out-shot by New Mexico, 6-4, but had the advantage in corner kicks, 3-1.
In the second half, the Bruins finally broke the scoreless tie in the 62nd minute courtesy of Jones. Freshman midfielder Jose Hernandez served a bending corner into the box where several UCLA players lurked. The ball bounced to the far post where Jones immediately put a shot on net. His first attempt was blocked, but he did not waste his second opportunity, blasting the rebound into the far side of the net for his first career collegiate goal.
Despite dominating the second half of play, UCLA almost conceded a late equalizer to the Lobos. In the 73rd minute, New Mexico sent a long cross into the box where Kasper Kajermo headed it down towards Niko Hansen. Bruin goalkeeper Juan Cervantes missed the header, but midfielder Grady Howe was there for the goal-saving clearance to maintain the Bruin advantage.
Overall, UCLA outshot New Mexico, 15-8, including, 11-2, in the second half. Cervantes finished the match with three saves, earning his first clean sheet of the season.
The Bruins will now hit the road to continue non-conference play against Maryland next Friday, September 4 in Baltimore. Opening kick is set for 4:00pm PT and the game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
