LOS ANGELES – It was a grand finish to UCLA's grand opening of Wallis Annenberg Stadium on Friday, as senior Hailie Mace scored the game-winning goal with just two seconds remaining in regulation, leading the second-ranked Bruins to a 1-0 win over Long Beach State.
A long ball from defender Karina Rodriguez with just over 10 seconds left got the ball rolling for the Bruins. Her pass found the head of her sister Anika Rodriguez, who flicked the ball back to Mace running towards goal. Mace got a deflection and raced ahead of the Long Beach defender, sliding the ball past Long Beach State goalkeeper Imani McDonald into the back of the net for the first goal in Wallis Annenberg Stadium history.
Mace did not start the game, as she was nursing an injury, but her impact was evident when she entered the game late in the first half. In the 66th minute, she single-handedly plowed her way through the defense to get off a clean shot on goal, forcing McDonald into a diving save.
"Hailie was doing what she always does – causing havoc," said UCLA head coach Amanda Cromwell. "We knew we wanted her on the field. We took her out in the second half and rested her and then put her back in the last nine minutes, and that's the reason why. Having a player like that with that kind of athleticism that can create havoc for the other team is great."
WITH FIVE SECONDS ON THE CLOCK.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) August 18, 2018
HAILIE MACE.
GAME-WINNER.
?? #Pac12AfterDark has infiltrated #Pac12Soccer ?? pic.twitter.com/xs0XrR5kNS
Bruin goalkeeper Teagan Micah had a strong game to earn the shutout in goal, making two big saves, including a 1-v-1 save on a breakaway opportunity by Elysia Laramie in the 52nd minute.
UCLA (1-0) will next play at Penn State on Saturday, Aug. 25 in a game televised live at 1pm PT on ESPNU.