UCLA women’s soccer beats California, secures chance to win 2nd Pac-12 title

On Halloween, Mia Fishel provided the treat for the Bruins.

The junior forward one-timed a cross from junior defender Brianne Riley into the back of the net in the 104th minute, walking it off for UCLA’s third overtime victory of the season.

The San Diego native – who will turn professional after the 2021 season – was one of eight players celebrated as part of Senior Day festivities before the match.

“It’s my last year,” Fishel said. “So I want to win Pac-12. I want to win a natty. I knew every opportunity I got I was going to shoot. So I saw the ball coming and I was like, ‘It’s a half chance. I’m taking it.’”

No. 5 UCLA women’s soccer (15-0-3, 7-0-3 Pac-12) squeaked out a 1-0 victory over California (8-6-3, 4-5-1) in double overtime Sunday afternoon thanks to Fishel’s golden goal. In securing the victory, UCLA now stands two points behind USC with their crosstown rivalry showdown looming Friday and the conference title at stake.

Another celebrated player was graduate student midfielder Marley Canales, who has donned the blue and gold for five years and 77 total games.

“It was a pretty emotional day,” Canales said. “You always think that this day is so far away and then it catches up to you. Our team and staff and everyone did such a great job celebrating us, and I’m just so happy that we were able to come out for the win.”

In the first half of play, both goalkeepers were tested. A 22nd-minute effort from Cal’s leading scorer, forward Karlie Lema, was the only shot on target for the Golden Bears out of seven total attempts in the first 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Bruins mustered up their first shot at the 30-minute mark. Shortly after coming on, redshirt sophomore forward Sunshine Fontes nutmegged one Cal defender before splitting two others, but her ensuing shot was blocked at the top of the 18-yard box.

The contest headed into the half without a goal – the second consecutive scoreless opening period for the Bruins after scoring in their seven previous first halves.

“We started pretty good for 10 minutes and then not so much,” said coach Amanda Cromwell. “They had all the chances in the first half. (We) made some adjustments at halftime and then in the second half I thought we were on the front foot and pretty creative.”

Coming out of the half, UCLA recorded eight shots in the half’s initial 30 minutes, forcing three saves from goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. An effort from graduate student midfielder Olivia Athens forced Anderson into a diving save while Canales followed up with a curler that Anderson tipped out of play.

As the clock ticked until overtime, Fishel made a move on the right side of the field and created enough space to send a low cross into the box. Athens was on the receiving end, but her shot in front of the goal was blocked by a Bear defender.

On the other side of the field, a loose ball fell to the feet of Cal forward/midfielder Emma Westin in the 6-yard box, but her shot sailed over the goal as the match headed to overtime.

In the extra periods of play, the Bruins limited the Bears to zero shots and needed two attempts of their own to find the winning goal.

“This team has the capability to score at any moment,” Cromwell said. “We’re quick. We’re dynamic. I don’t like them waiting (until) the second overtime. I’d have a few less gray hairs, but hey, I’ll take it whenever.”

UCLA will take on USC in the final match of conference play Friday, needing a win to earn back-to-back Pac-12 titles.