Last season, Cal Poly women’s soccer lost to the then No. 1 ranked team in the country, UCLA, on a controversial foul in the 89th minute that gave the Bruins a penalty kick for the go-ahead goal.
Almost a year later the Mustangs (0-2-1) and their 30 returners, the most in Division I women’s soccer, were tasked with avenging the heartbreaking loss as they hosted the Bruins (3-0-0) at Mustang Memorial Field.
Though UCLA isn’t ranked as high as they were in the previous season, most recently coming in at No. 6 on the United Soccer Coaches Week 1 Poll, the Mustangs were still in for a season-defining test against a team with a stifling backline.
UCLA had shut out two other Big West Conference opponents in Long Beach State and UC Riverside prior to their trip to San Luis Obispo.
This game was no different, as UCLA’s defense held up against the Mustangs’ attack early in the first half. Cal Poly was forced to send some risky through balls in order to get their offense started, but couldn’t break through the Bruin backline.
However, the Mustangs knew what they were in for and responded in kind. Cal Poly’s defense, anchored by reigning Big West Defensive Player of the Year senior Emma Brown, rose to the occasion and played equally tight defense in order to keep the game leveled.
Senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Samuel, who got the starting nod this game as coach Alex Crozier decides who he wants in net come conference play, made 3 first half saves to deny the UCLA attack whenever they did make a run.
In the second period, the Mustangs’ backs were against the wall against a Bruins team that became more aggressive as the game went on. UCLA had seven second half shots, and earned 11 corners throughout the game.
The Bruins were finally able to break the tie in the 69th minute, as Lily Reale made a solo run through a suffocating Cal Poly defense that did everything they could to stop her, finishing with a shot to the bottom right of the net to put UCLA up 1-0.
The Mustangs searched for the responding goal, taking shots from outside the box and trying to catch the Bruins off guard, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Though they couldn’t come out on top, Cal Poly showed they have what it takes to compete with the best in the nation, giving one of the country’s top teams their toughest game yet.
Next, the Mustangs will take a week off before traveling to Hornet Field for a fixture against the Sacramento State Hornets on Aug. 29, at 1 p.m.