UCLA women’s soccer triumphs in double-OT battle against Stanford

The anticipated matchup between the UCLA women’s soccer team and Stanford did not disappoint the audience present at Cagan Stadium in
Palo Alto, Calif.

Both teams came into the match as two of the most talented and successful teams in the Pac-12.

The past seven matches had gone in favor of the Cardinals, but the rivalry between these two teams had a different ending on Thursday night when the Bruins ended the Cardinal’s streak by scoring a golden goal in the second overtime to pull a victory over Stanford, 2-1.

Freshman midfielder Lauren Kaskie, who came into the match seconds before the conclusion of the first overtime, scored the decisive goal.

It only took five minutes for the freshman to make a difference and give the Bruins the win the team had been wanting for years.

“This victory means so much to the team, especially for the girls that have been here in years past … even the freshmen that just came in, we were so hungry for the win and we were not going to lose that game – there was no doubt in my mind,” said junior midfielder Sarah Killion.

“This happened twice last year and they beat us and I was like, ‘It’s not going to happen again.’ We were all looking at each other and screaming, ‘Come on, let’s pick it up, the game is not over.’ We knew how to handle it better and we definitely learned from past experiences.”

Killion and the Bruins had already seen the same story unfold in previous encounters.

Last year, Stanford came from behind in the second half to beat the Bruins 2-1 in both occasions, but this year the Bruins were able to get away with the victory and avenge last year’s losses.

Senior midfielder Jenna Richmond said that this victory is very meaningful for her and the Bruins because it is her last year and Stanford is the team UCLA had not beaten in years.

“We just pulled through together as a team; we came together and did whatever we could to get that win tonight and I couldn’t be more proud of these girls,” Richmond said.

“So many people worked so hard tonight and being able to get this win on the road (and) on their field, it’s so amazing, and being a senior not having a win against this team and finally being able to do it, it’s just unbelievable.”

Similar to the past two matches, the first half ended with no goals from either team. But the Bruins came out and 16 minutes into the second half, Richmond, assisted by sophomore forward Taylor Smith, sent the ball into the net to put the Bruins up 1-0.

Everything seemed to be pointing to a UCLA victory over the Cardinals, but with less than two minutes remaining in the game, Stanford’s Lo’eau LaBonta took a pass from Courtney Verloo and netted the ball into the right post to tie the game.

Coach Amanda Cromwell said that Stanford’s late goal was discouraging, but the Bruins were able to swiftly recover to take control of the match and obtain the victory.

“It was a very exciting game … Stanford is a quality team. They got a late goal and that took a little of our breath away, but I think we showed a lot of resolve and resilience.”