In the UCLA women’s soccer team’s 2-1 victory over
the Mexican National Team at Drake Stadium Saturday, Mexico struck
first as UCLA freshman Iris Mora scored in the ninth minute,
striking the ball past Bruin goalkeeper Sarah Lombardo.
Confused?
Mora scored against her UCLA teammates because the Cancun,
Mexico native, who played in all Mexico’s matches in the 1999
Women’s World Cup, is a starting forward on the Mexican
National Team. “It was a tough game, Mora said. “UCLA
is stronger, and that is something we had to worry about. Our play
was an improvement, but we need to get better.”
The No. 3 Bruins (7-1) evened the score when junior midfielder
Whitney Jones headed the ball into the net. The first half ended in
a tie, despite the Bruins outshooting Mexico 10-1.
“I knew it would be a hard-fought match,” UCLA head
coach Jillian Ellis said. “They are the best (Mexico) has to
offer. It was a good game for us and a good opportunity for our
starters.”
The tie was broken in the 57th minute as a Lindstrom header made
it into the net.
“We were expecting a tough match,” Lindstrom said.
“They are all about gamesmanship, and we were ready for
them.”
On a breakaway in the 85th minute, Mora got a chance to even the
score, but Lombardo came up with the big save.
The Bruins will be without Mora at times this season as she will
continue to play for Mexico. “We’ll miss her,”
Ellis said. “She’s an important player for
us.”
If there was a Mexico team member who was the least disappointed
with the loss, it would have to have been Mora. At least her other
team won.