UCLA
1-1
Maryland
3-0
Bruins Fall to Maryland in OT Thriller
September 01, 2017 | Men's Soccer
In another thrilling overtime contest between the two national powers, No. 15 UCLA fell 3-2 to No. 6 Maryland in front of 7,532 fans at College Park on a 98th minute goal by Sebastian Elney. The result was an eerie case of déjà vu for the Bruins, who were also beaten on a golden goal by Elney two years ago at Ludwig Field.
The Bruins (1-1) came back twice to tie the match, first by Erik Holt in the 68th minute and then once again in the 80th minute on a bending free kick by Brian Iloski. But UCLA was unable to stop Elney's heroics in the extra period.
"Tonight was another fantastic college match versus the University of Maryland; three years in a row where the result could have gone either way," said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. "We had some tough breaks tonight, but that's a part of the experience of playing in a hostile environment. I am very proud of our team's character to come back twice and still have the poise to create good moments in the overtime."
After a scoreless first half in which Maryland outshot UCLA, 7-1, the Terrapins (3-0) struck first on a penalty kick by Gordon Wild in the 56th minute. The Terrapins were awarded the penalty kick when UCLA was called for a handball in the box. The Bruins answered 12 minutes later after a corner kick found its way to Brandon Terwege in front of the goal. Terwege's shot went off the crossbar, but Holt volleyed the rebound past several defenders and the Maryland goalkeeper for the equalizer.
Here's a look at Erik Holt's first career goal that tied the game at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/HiehRiC5pm
— UCLA Men's Soccer (@UCLAMSoccer) September 2, 2017
Eric Matzelevich put Maryland back on top in the 73rd minute before the Bruins tied it once again. Anderson Asiedu was fouled just outside the box while shooting in the 79th minute, earning a free kick out. Iloski bent the free kick into the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
Bend it like Brian. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/wMyin2wiOc
— UCLA Men's Soccer (@UCLAMSoccer) September 2, 2017
The Terrapins outshot the Bruins, 19-9. Bruin goalkeeper Kevin Silva had five saves, and Maryland goalkeeper Dayne St. Claire had three.
"Maryland will prove to be one of the best teams in the country this season, and our group is relatively new but absolutely went toe-to-toe with them tonight," Salcedo said.
UCLA will next play at Georgetown on Monday at 9am PT.
Team Stats
WILD, Gordon (2)
UMD WILD, Gordon PENALTY KICK GOAL, goal number 2 for season.
55:19
Holt, Erik
GOAL by UCLA Holt, Erik.
67:35
MATZELEVICH, Eric (2)
Assisted By: WILLIAMSON, Eryk
from 15 yards to keeper's right
72:31
Iloski, Brian (3)
free kick just outside box
79:43
ELNEY, Sebastian (1)
Assisted By: ROZHANSKY, Jake
slipped through box, past keeper to far
97:33
