The fifth-seeded UCLA men's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals by defeating Washington today 1-0 in the second round at UCLA's Spaulding Field. The Bruins will host Clemson in the next round Saturday, Dec. 6 at a time to be determined.

Seth George (Mission Viejo/Santa Margarita HS) netted the only goal of the game at the 15:40 mark. He was assisted by freshman McKinley Tennyson, Jr.

Washington had an apparent goal called off midway through the first half when midfielder Ian Russell was called for a handball. Observed UCLA goalie Matt Reis, "I thought it started off a corner kick and came in, and (Nick) Paneno and I came in to block. I think Paneno blocked it, and the ball went into the air. And then as I got up, (Russell) was challenging Josh (Keller), and it looked like he came up over Josh and fisted it in like a volleyball into the net." Washington head coach Dean Wurzberger agreed. "It looked like Ian hit it in with his hand. It looked like the right call to me."

The Bruins held the Broncos to just two shots on goal in the first half but six in the second after Washington brought in as many as four forwards up to pressure UCLA's defense. Matt Reis (Mission Viejo/Santa Margarita HS) had his third consecutive shutout in the post-season for the Bruins and made two saves. UCLA defenders Jimmy Conrad, Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Shak blocked many Washington opportunities.

Said Bruin midfielder/defender Josh Keller, "Before the game, we knew that it was going to be a battle. We came in with a really good mindset; we knew we were going to have to roll up our sleeves like Sig said and play. Everybody did their job and won their one-on-one battles, and the rest took care of itself."

UCLA advances to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994 when the Bruins went all the way to the Final Four and for the 14th time in school history.

     
Game Summary - UCLA vs. Washington
                     1st   2nd   F
Washington (15-3-2)    0     0   0
UCLA (19-2)            1     0   1
Shots
Washington - 8; UCLA - 11
Saves
Bill May (UW) - 6; Matt Reis (UCLA) - 2
Scoring Summary
Team    Goal by        Assist                  Time    
UCLA    Seth George    McKinley Tennyson, Jr.  15:40
Attendance
846