The number of fresh faces on the soccer field outnumbered those of game-tested veterans at the start of Friday’s game.
Seven freshmen made their debut for the UCLA women’s soccer team ““ six of them starting ““ in a 2-0 road win against Cal State Northridge.
The Bruins struck quickly in their season opener, with senior forward Sydney Leroux scoring in the 29th minute off a cross from freshman midfielder Caprice Dydasco.
Following the example set by upperclassman Leroux, freshman forward Rosie White also sent the ball into the back of the net, scoring her first goal as a Bruin in the 73rd minute.
Sophomore Chelsea Stewart earned the assist, sending the ball in the box on a corner kick that was first punched into the air by the Matadors’ goalkeeper before White headed it into the top of the goal.
“I think overall it was a very positive performance. It was a team win,” said coach B.J. Snow. “We certainly are still work in progress. … It takes time to develop cohesiveness. There were way more positives than negatives, so I’m very pleased.”
Having outshot Northridge 20-6, the Bruins had plenty of other opportunities to widen the gap but were unable to capitalize. Fewer than half of UCLA’s shots were on goal.
“It’s definitely something we have to work on, like finishing and creating corner kick opportunities,” said freshman midfielder Samantha Mewis on scoring.
“It’s probably going to come more into play now that the season is starting, and it’s something we need to practice. But I think we have a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see what we can do.”
With sophomore midfielder Jenna Richmond fully recovered, UCLA’s offense is looking to become even more dynamic. After tearing her ACL during playoffs last season, Richmond made her first appearance in a game on Friday, playing 43 minutes as a substitute.
“We weren’t really expecting her until late September,” Snow said. “She did a really nice job, so we are happy to have her back.”
With only one returning player starting on defense, the Bruin’s back line played with more experience than expected, holding the Matadors to only one shot on goal.
“It was important for us to get the first win and just kind of settle down,” said freshman defender Abby Dahlkemper, who was one of two Bruins to play the entire match. “Three out of the four (defenders) are new, so we are still trying to get on the same page.”
Dahlkemper expressed relief and excitement that the first game was a good experience and commented on the future.
“I’m glad that I got my first game under my belt so I can move on and start to play with less nerves,” she said.
With 12 freshmen on the team eager to earn a spot in the lineup, Snow is far from deciding who should regularly start. He wants his players to fight it out in practice.
“Practice becomes very competitive, and it makes everyone better,” Snow said. “That challenges people to try to get playing time and starting spots. It’s our job to manage everything and figure out who works best with certain people in certain conditions.”