The #1 UCLA Women’s Soccer team defeated the #3 ranked Stanford Cardinal in a “Blackout” at Drake Stadium. In a game that started at 8 p.m. under a full moon, the Bruins exercised some demons as they came from behind to take out the best team they have faced this season. Funny enough, the last time UCLA lost at home was October 28, 2012… against Stanford.
Bear hug Bruins. No. 1 @UCLAWSoccer steals one from Stanford in a Hollywood ending. pic.twitter.com/Dhd2vOT2hV
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 10, 2014
To start, things got dark for the Bruins, “Blackout” dark as the Bruins busted out some sweet new alternate kits. The all-black unis had gold numbers and lettering with blue trim. Whatever it takes, they need to make these available at the UCLA Store in Ackerman. With that, the fans brought out the Blackout mixed with some Halloween spirit to support the theme of the night.
The front of #UCLA's alternate jersey #BlackoutDrake #onegoal112 #STANvsUCLA pic.twitter.com/2Hek2P6qeH
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
Another look at the black uniforms #BlackoutDrake pic.twitter.com/5p27hR4bQL
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
Thanks to @UCLA_RUGBY for the support tonight! #timber pic.twitter.com/BlShvKQHhZ
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
This was definitely a big event as the Solid Gold Sounds came out to support the Bruins.
We love having @UCLABruinBand out here at Drake! #GoBruins #STANvsUCLA pic.twitter.com/58nTlkNvRy
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
As for the game, it was pretty horrifying for the Bruins to start the second half. Stanford took the lead as Lo’eau LaBonta scored first for the Cardinal after several extended possessions. It seemed any time the Bruins had the ball in the attacking zone, Stanford would take it away within four passes. The Cardinal dominated their areas and took advantage.
Stanford takes a 1-0 lead on a LaBonta goal at 52:36. #STANvsUCLA
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
The Bruins came alive after that. Taylor Smith had energized the Bruins on a number of right side rushes and managed to get several crossing in. The offense was finally working. The Bruins then shot fear into the heart of Stanford when Ally Courtnall blasted one in to the top left corner from just outside the box. Just under ten minutes later, Sam Mewis put in a beauty of a through ball to Annie Alvarado who fired one off the left post and deflected it in to make it 2-1 Bruins and that was how it ended.
GOAL UCLA! Ally Courtnall ties it up at 73:15! Assist to Annie Alvarado. #STANvsUCLA
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
GOAL UCLA! Annie Alvarado gets her first goal off a through ball from Sam Mewis at 84:49! Bruins lead 2-1! #STANvsUCLA
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 10, 2014
Would you believe it?! @UCLAWSoccer comes back after being down two in the final 15 minutes to take the lead! http://t.co/wnT6E80FNM
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 10, 2014
One final note, Head Coach Amanda Cromwell got a yellow card for arguing a call in the second half and apparently applauded it. That got some words from the referee as the bench had to stay in check for the rest of the game. Still, from us here at Go Joe Bruin, GET’EM COACH CROMWELL!!
Go Bruins!