UCLA Men’s Soccer Lose Via Penalty Kicks In The College Cup Championship

It was a harsh ending to a superb start for the UCLA Men’s Soccer team as they lose the College Cup Championship to the Virginia Cavaliers on penalty kicks, 4-2. The Bruins had a a dominating performance the entire game but could not get a single goal in regulation or overtime. The Bruins were equally dominant on defense, disallowing the Cavaliers shots and limited their chances as both teams went into overtime scoreless.

Dec 14, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Larry Ndjock (11) passes the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defender Kyler Sullivan (13) defends during the first half of the NCAA College Cup Final at Wake Med Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA Today

UCLA was the polar opposite of their performance against Providence on Friday night in the semifinal. In that game, the Friars had possession the majority of the game as the Bruins used their few chance opportunities to win the game. Against the Cavaliers, UCLA barely allowed them to touch the ball.

In the second half, Virginia had stepped up their game with a few quick shots, but then so did the Bruins. Head coach Jorge Salcedo had made a vital change that seemed to get the Bruins in better scoring possession as he had senior Leo Stolz playing higher up the field. That resulted in more pressure, more crosses and more opportunities. Unfortunately, the Bruins could not capitalize on any of them.

In overtime, both teams applied more pressure as a handful of fouls and yellow cards were doled out, but nothing that resulted in a goal. So to penalty kicks it was.

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Virginia and UCLA had made their first round goals, yet missed in the second. Virginia was blocked and UCLA hit the crossbar. It was even worse for the Bruins as their third round shot was also off the crossbar.

With Virginia making their third PK, the Bruins were already in a hole. Larry Ndjock had scored a second PK for UCLA, but being down one with one frame to play, Riggs Lennon put the championship goal in the net to solidify the win for Virginia. It is a horrible way to lose (on penalty kicks) despite UCLA dominating the game, but that is the way the ball bounces.

Still, it does not lessen the effort that these Bruins put toward this game. It was a fantastic run by UCLA who finishes the season 14-5-5. Get ready for next year Bruin fans as UCLA will be back and in full force! Congratulations on a great season UCLA Men’s Soccer and GO BRUINS!