UCLA
5-7-2, 1-4-1
Washington
13-1-0, 6-0-0
UCLA Edged By Top-Ranked Washington, 1-0
October 24, 2019 | Men's Soccer
LOS ANGELES – The UCLA men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 1 Washington on Thursday in a Pac-12 tilt at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.
The two teams played tight over the first 65 minutes of the game before the Huskies (13-1-0, 6-0-0 Pac-12) broke through for the contest's lone goal off a fortuitous deflection at the 65:01 mark.
UCLA (5-7-2, 1-4-1) went down a man after receiving a straight red was awarded in the 72nd minute, and despite that managed to create a few opportunities over the final stretch of the game.
"We've played a lot of tough teams this year, but the reality is Washington is very good," said UCLA head coach Ryan Jorden. "We had chances where we could have scored first and that changes the game. Unfortunately we conceded, and they could sit and manage the game a little better."
UCLA and Washington combined for just six total shot attempts in a physical first half.
The Bruins' best chance of the first 45 came within the very first minute, as a solid period of possession led to a bouncing ball landing at the feet of junior midfielder Marcony Pimentel inside the 18-yard box. Unfortunately, his left-footed shot went wide right.
Pimentel had another good luck at the beginning of a second half, as he had space to take a fairly open shot from about 25 yards out but his attempt went over the bar.
UW broke through for the decisive goal in the 66th minute. Building up on the right side, the Huskies would go on to switch it over the left side of the field which led to a streaking run down the sideline by Lucas Meek.
Taking on one defender, Meek attempted to swing in a left-footed cross. However, UCLA's Eric Iloski got his toe on the ball and that deflected it right to a wide open Blake Bodily at the far post. Bodily tapped it in from the goal mouth for the game-winner.
UCLA's comeback efforts took a hit with the card in the 72nd minute, but the Bruins continued to create chances.
Junior forward Milan Iloski, who entered the game with the NCAA lead in goals at 15, had a solid chance in the 78th minute when he drilled a free kick from about 35 yards out that required a lunging stop from UW keeper Bryce Logan.
The Bruins continued to up the tempo while on the ball the rest of the way, resulting in a pair of corner kicks, but weren't able to produce an equalizer.
UCLA concludes its regular season home schedule on Sunday afternoon with a 3:00 p.m. showdown with Oregon State. The Bruins' four seniors – Roman Martin, Alexis Triadis, Blayne Martinez, and Matthew Powell – will be honored in a halftime ceremony.
Team Stats
Bodily, Blake (6)
Assisted By: Meek, Lucas
GOAL by WASH Bodily, Blake (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Meek, Lucas, goal number 6 for season.
65:01
