Nov. 17, 2008

Box Score

LOS ANGELES - The top-seeded UCLA women's soccer team booked a spot in the NCAA Round of 16 on Monday evening, registering a 1-0 victory over San Diego in a second round contest at Drake Stadium. With the win, the Bruins move to 20-0-2 on the year and will face cross-town rival USC on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

The only goal scored on Monday was actually credited as an own goal by San Diego (15-5-2) in the 78th minute. Bruin forward Kara Lang managed to get to the endline on the right side of the field, eventually hitting a low-lining cross towards the goal. A San Diego defender tried to clear the ball, however it hit off the outside part of her foot and up towards the top of the goal. Torero goalkeeper Brittany Cameron managed to get a hand on it, however there was no time to make a save on the play and the ball slipped in to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.

"This is the NCAA Tournament and nothing is going to be easy and nothing is going to be handed to you," said UCLA head coach Jillian Ellis. "To be able to win and not play as well as we can play - we have to take that as a positive. Good teams find a way to win. San Diego certainly didn't make it easy for us."

UCLA managed to outshoot San Diego, 20-9 on the night. It marks the 18th shutout in 22 matches for the Bruins this season. UCLA goalkeeper Ashley Thompson made three saves, registering her 12th shutout of the year. It is the fourth season in a row that UCLA has reached the 20-win mark, and the Bruins' 10th straight appearance in the round of 16.

Saturday's round of 16 match will also be at UCLA's Drake Stadium. The Bruins defeated the Women of Troy, 2-1 in the only meeting between the two teams this season.