LOS ANGELES – UCLA posted shutout number nine on the season in a 0-0 tie with Wisconsin on Thursday night in the team's first home match in nearly one month. The Bruins outshot the Badgers by a 10-2 count, but critical saves by Wisconsin, five by goalkeeper Drew Stover and one game-saving clearance by Erin Connolly, kept UCLA off the board.
The Badgers (5-2-3, 1-1-2 in the Big Ten) had the first scoring opportunity of the game, in the 10th minute, after earning a free kick outside of the box that Ashley Martinez sent wide. The Bruins created a few opportunities in the first half with dangerous crosses but were unable to connect. Sofia Cook recorded UCLA's first shot in the 19th minute on a long-distance shot that was saved by Stover. The Badgers' goalkeeper made another good save in the 41st minute off a left-footed Val Vargas shot to the far post.
The Bruins (8-2-2, 3-0-1) had their best opportunity in the 58th minute, after Ella Ottey grabbed Ayo Oke on a potential breakaway and was issued a yellow card. Following the free kick, Cook fired off a shot from the right side to the far post that looked destined for goal, but Connolly headed it off the line at the last second to prevent the go-ahead goal. The Bruins had another opportunity 21 seconds later, but Oke's shot was saved by Stover.
Sofia Cook's shot is headed away at the last second to keep it scoreless in the 58th minute. ??
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) September 27, 2024
??: @BigTenNetwork #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/575raI923y
UCLA pressed late for the go-ahead goal and had opportunities, but Stover tipped away a Sunshine Fontes shot in the 87th minute and stopped a long-range shot by Paloma Daubert shot in the 89th minute.
Big Ten play resumes on Sunday with a 1pm matchup against Minnesota, who rallied to tie USC 2-2 Thursday night.