UCLA Advances by Defeating USC

UCLA women’s soccer Coach Jillian Ellis believes the Bruins are in position to join the elite programs in the country.

She’ll get no argument from USC Coach Jim Millinder after the Bruins defeated the Trojans, 3-0, in an NCAA second-round playoff match Saturday before 1,104 at UCLA’s Drake Stadium.

“They have great athletes, they have great speed and they’re very organized defensively in the back,” Millinder said. “They’re a great team. They’ve got what it takes to go deep in the tournament.”

UCLA (16-3-1) will play the winner of today’s Texas A&M-Marquette; match in the third round. Junior midfielder Breana Boling put the Bruins ahead to stay two minutes in with a blast from 18 yards out past USC goalkeeper Lauren Arase.

Ellis said that scoring early often inspires the opponent but the Bruins dominated. They outshot USC, 25-4, and Arase made 10 saves.

“Obviously, this is a very good team result for us,” Ellis said. “Not only is it an advancement to the third round but it’s a victory over USC and it doesn’t matter what part of the season it comes, it’s especially sweet.”

Freshman Sarah-Gayle Swanson gave UCLA a 2-0 lead when she put in a rebound of a save by Arase on Stephanie Rigamat’s shot in the 59th minute.

Senior midfielder Venus James scored in the 71st minute on a shot from outside the goal box.

USC’s best opportunity came in the 63rd minute when Christy Callier beat Bruin goalkeeper CiCi Peterson on a scramble in front, but she was ruled offside.

It was one of few scoring chances for the Trojans (14-6-2). UCLA has given up only five goals all season.

“We call ourselves NGP for the No Goal Patrol,” said Bruin defender Karissa Hampton. “We work really well as a unit. Every game, our goal is to get a shutout.”