While the undefeated UCLA women’s soccer team (20-0-2) enjoyed home-field advantage in Westwood during its first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, fourth-seeded USC (16-4-2) ventured to Provo, Utah, for postseason play last weekend. After defeating their respective first and second round opponents, the crosstown rivals will collide with UCLA once again this Saturday.
Kicking off the NCAA Tournament, defending champion USC first downed Boston University, 2-0, before playing in a dramatic match against Brigham Young. In front of the Cougars’ home crowd, the Women of Troy endured a 1-1 tie through two overtimes until finally defeating BYU in penalty kicks, 4-2.
At Drake Stadium, top-seeded UCLA still had to work for its wins. After a 5-0 blowout victory over Fresno State on Nov. 14, the Bruins’ Monday match against University of San Diego was stuck in a scoreless stalemate until the 78th minute, when the Toreros recorded an own goal that won the game for UCLA.
“I think we came out just not on top of our game, and we didn’t execute and do the things we normally do,” said senior midfielder McCall Zerboni. “Against ‘SC, we need to come out, be a little bit more ready.”
Coach Jill Ellis said that the team needed to learn from its mistakes.
“I think overall, we could use a team that could play it straight up. We just need to keep a better rhythm, keep better possession of the ball and execute inside of 18 yards,” Ellis said.
Last year, UCLA was upset by USC, 2-1, in the semifinal round of the 2007 NCAA College Cup in College Station, Texas. The Women of Troy went on to win the national championships. The Bruins avenged that loss earlier this season with a 2-1 Pac-10 victory at the L.A. Coliseum.
“I expect it to be a tougher game than at the Coliseum,” Zerboni said. “At the playoffs, competition gets greater and greater, and ‘SC is never an easy match. So we have to be ready.”
Ellis said that because the two talented teams are playing in the tournament, this weekend’s Sweet 16 contest is going to be a great match.
“We’re excited to play them at home,” Ellis said. “They’re an experienced team ““ the same team that won the national championship last year.”
Ten starters from the 2007 lineup return to lead USC: seniors Janessa Currier, Kelley Finch, Nini Loucks, Ashley Nick, Amy Rodriguez and Stacey Strong.
“They’re the defending national champions,” Ellis said. “We want to go out and try to beat them.”
Follow the Daily Bruin on twitter for breaking news alerts.