The No. 5 ranked UCLA women’s soccer team (9-2) wrapped up
the non-conference portion of its schedule with two relatively easy
victories over West Coast Conference foes.
Led by freshman forward Lauren Cheney, the Bruins defeated San
Diego (7-4) 3-0 on Friday night before dispatching Gonzaga (6-5-1)
1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
“Overall I was pleased with the weekend,” UCLA coach
Jill Ellis said. “I felt like Friday we played very good
soccer. We’re definitely growing, but (Sunday) we
didn’t take care of some details and didn’t put our
chances away. I think we just want to get better.”
Youth was the order of the day for UCLA this weekend as it
started eight freshmen or sophomores both games, yet still played
poised and controlled soccer. Seniors Stacy Lindstrom and Bristyn
Davis and junior goalkeeper Valerie Henderson were the only
upperclassmen to start over the weekend.
The Bruins were without junior standout Danesha Adams, who was
away with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Various injuries
have also forced several other younger players to step into the
lineup.
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“I feel very comfortable with the team we have out
there,” Lindstrom said. “Every game I can see (the
underclassmen) progressing. They’re all eager, want to win
and want to get better, so that’s all you really
need.”
After not starting Friday against San Diego, Cheney entered the
match midway through the first half and quickly ignited the Bruin
offense. The freshman led an offensive onslaught just before
halftime, scoring two goals in less than two minutes.
Sophomore Christina DiMartino added another goal just two
minutes later for the final tally. The second half featured
wholesale substitutions as UCLA played 22 different players en
route to the victory.
Sunday’s game proved a little more difficult. The Bruins
controlled the majority of the game, yet had some trouble finishing
chances.
After a scoreless first half, Cheney once again found the back
of the net just 37 seconds into the second half, putting away a
cross from freshman Lauren Switzer.
Cheney now leads the team in scoring with eight goals in seven
games played.
“It’s always good to get two wins, but I think
we’re capable of a lot more,” Cheney said. “I
know as a team we feel that way. Friday night was better than
(Sunday), but I think we can only get better and we’re ready
for Pac-10s (next week).”
As she has all season, Ellis will continue to rely on youth
going forward into conference play. Her backline features four
underclassmen, and she knows she must live with mistakes because
the players do not have a lot of experience at the collegiate
level.
“We’re playing good soccer; we just need to be more
consistent,” Ellis said. “When you’ve got three
freshmen and a sophomore on the backline and you don’t give
up a goal, that’s encouraging. I don’t expect
perfection; it’s not going to happen. What I expect is growth
and improvement.”