Moline's Musings
Bruins Top Illini on the Pitch
Posted by: Brian Moline
Saturday, September 5, 2009 10:31 AM
Illinois put on a good effort, but UCLA's firepower was too much in the end, as the Bruins topped the Illini in a hard-fought 2-1 decision last night at Illinois Soccer Stadium. Lauren Cheney had the game-winning goal and assisted on the other for UCLA, as she demonstrated why she is already a member of the US Women's National Team. The game featured former Illini head coach Jillian Ellis on the sidelines for the Bruins.
The first half was back and forth, with UCLA striking first on a goal from Sydney Leroux in the fourth minute. Leroux, who like Cheney is on the Hermann Award Watch List, got behind the Illini defense and took a nice through ball from Cheney to beat Illini keeper Alex Kapicka, who was solid in net all night long. Kapicka made eight saves, as she was under pressure from the UCLA attack throughout the match.
The Illini got the equalizer in the 38th minute, as their two outstanding freshmen, Shayla Mutz and Niki Read, assisted on a goal from senior Chichi Nweke, her first of the season. It came off a corner kick from Marissa Mykines. Mutz got the ball inside the 18 yard box, sent it to Read, who touched it over to Nweke in front of the net. Chichi put it past keeper Chante Sandiford to tie the score at one going into halftime.
The Bruins came out firing in the second half, as they were able to control possession through much of the period. Kapicka made several outstanding saves before Cheney scored the game-winner in the 79th minute. Amelia Mathis got Cheney the ball inside the box, where she was able to put her Illini defender on her right hip, then turn and fire a shot just inside the right post.
The Illini had a couple of chances for a late equalizer, as they went with an extra attacker for the last seven minutes of the match. Senior Courtney Bell had a good look from the top of the box with about four minutes remaining, but it went high over the crossbar.
Senior Jackie Santacaterina returned to the pitch for the first time this season after foot surgery this summer. She played 47 minutes on the night, and helped the Illini with their ball-winning, especially in the first half. She did appear to tire a bit as the match went on, which was to be expected in her first game back.
Illinois falls to 2-1-1 on the season, while UCLA now has the same record with the win. The Illini are back in action tomorrow afternoon against UC Santa Barbara at 2 pm. Soccer fans can see a battle of top ten teams earlier in the day as #9 UCLA will take on #6 Florida at 11 am. Thanks for reading.
bmoline@wdws.com
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