UCLA
18-2-2
Virginia (Third Round)
13-6-4
UCLA Defeats Virginia 2-1 in NCAA Round of 16
November 19, 2017 | Women's Soccer
LOS ANGELES - Anika Rodriguez and Ashley Sanchez combined for the game-winning goal for the second conescutive match as No. 2 seed UCLA defeated No. 3 seed Virginia, 2-1, to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
With Virginia playing with just 10 players due to a red card issued to midfielder Courtney Peterson in the 85th minute, the Bruins capitalized on the numbers. Sanchez stole a pass from the Cavaliers and sent a through ball to Rodriguez at the top of the box. Rodriguez beat a defender and goalkeeper Laurel Ivory to put UCLA ahead with just 1:20 remaining in regulation.
Rodriguez's goal was her eighth of the year and fourth in as many games. She and Sanchez have combined for three of the team's last four game-winning goals, with Rodriguez passing to Sanchez for the game-winner in overtime to beat USC, and Sanchez hitting Rodriguez with through balls in the overtime win over Northwestern and deep into regulation against Virginia.
These two have the magic touch! Watch @ashleynsanchezz connect with @anikaarodriguez once again for the game-winner vs. Virginia. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/uxRWAAxINy
โ UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) November 20, 2017
Virginia (13-6-4) took an early lead at 5:18 on an own goal. A long free kick was sent into the box, but it went off Karina Rodriguez's head and just under the crossbar for an own goal.
UCLA (18-2-2) answered right back, though. Kaiya McCullough sent a long pass to Sanchez, who got past the Virginia defense and was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick at the 5:53 mark. Jessie Fleming put the penalty kick away to tie it up at 1-1.
The Bruins will host Princeton in the quarterfinal round on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 5:30pm at Drake Stadium. Princeton upset No. 1 seed North Carolina, 2-1 in overtime earlier today.
Team Stats
TEAM
own goal off long free kick into box
5:18
Fleming, Jessie (5)
UCLA Fleming, Jessie PENALTY KICK GOAL, goal number 5 for season.
5:53
Rodriguez, Anika (8)
Assisted By: Sanchez, Ashley
through ball, one touch
88:40
