#16 UCLA Drops Season Finale at San Diego State
Soccer News: The No. 16 UCLA Bruins dropped their regular season finale, 1-0, to the San Diego State Aztecs in double overtime on Saturday night at SDSU Sports Deck. A 103rd minute goal from Ozzie Ramos sank the Bruins attempt for a fourth-straight win.
“Tonight we didn’t have a performance similar to what we have seen over the past several weeks,” said UCLA Head Coach Jorge Salcedo. “Our sharpness in front of goal was missing. We certainly created enough opportunities to win the game, but just could not find the goal we needed. We’ll see what the selection show brings us on Monday and prepare for the NCAA Tournament.”
In the first half, UCLA (10-8-1, 5-4-1 in Pac-12) controlled much of the play, but was unable to find the back of the net. Abu Danladi and Jackson Yueill were each able to generate good chances on goal, but after 45 minutes of play, the two sides were even at zero apiece.
At the half, UCLA was out-shooting San Diego State, 6-1, and had allowed zero shots on net.
The Bruins continued their strong defensive effort in the second half, keeping the Aztecs from garnering any good offensive chances. UCLA’s best chance came in the 79th minute off of the foot of Jose Hernandez. His attempt forced a San Diego State team-save which inevitably kept the Bruins from scoring the opening goal.
After 90 minutes, neither team had a goal to show for their efforts and the two sides headed to extra-time.
After a scoreless first overtime session, San Diego State (8-8-3, 2-7-1 in Pac-12) found the goal they sought just a few minutes into the second extra session. Ozzie Ramos scored his second goal of the season from 10 yards out on the left of the box to lift the Aztecs to the home victory, 1-0.
Overall, UCLA out-shot San Diego State, 13-8, and earned eight corners to the Aztecs’ three. Juan Cervantes made one save in the loss, while Adam Allmaras also made one save in the shutout victory.
Tonight’s result marks the first loss to San Diego State since 2007, ending a 16-game winning-streak for the Bruins.
UCLA will now await its NCAA Tournament fate, looking to become an at-large bid. The NCAA Tournament selection show will be aired live on NCAA.com on Monday, November 16 at 10:00 am PT. UCLA is looking to earn its 33rd consecutive postseason berth.
