The 2005 edition of the UCLA women’s soccer team (21-1-2)
has made an incredible attack on the school record books. Along
with winning a school-record third consecutive Pac-10 championship,
the Bruins will also be making their third consecutive College Cup
appearance for the first time in school history. Their 21 wins also
set a single season school record. Currently, the Bruins are riding
a 19-game unbeaten streak, another school record. Other records
that could potentially fall are goals against average (0.41) and
fewest goals allowed (10), which were both set in 2000. This year,
UCLA has only given up eight total goals which translates to a 0.32
goals against average. Senior Iris Mora now leads the Bruins in
all-time NCAA Tournament scoring with 20 points. Sophomore Danesha
Adams is now second with 18 points. Freshman Kara Lang has scored
seven goals and recorded an assist in four postseason games now
ranks third with 15.
BRUINS MISS SHOT AT UNC: Before the playoffs
started, it was hard not to envision a match-up between No. 2 North
Carolina and No. 4 UCLA. Both had been given top seeds in their
regionals, and if the draw held to form, the teams would have met
this Friday in the College Cup. However, the Tar Heels were upset
5-4 in a penalty kick shootout by Florida State. North Carolina has
won 18 of the 24 titles in the history of women’s collegiate
soccer. “We would have liked to have played them because
they’re such a great soccer school, but I’m not really
worried about who we play or who didn’t make it,” said
senior Jill Oakes. “I’m fine with whoever we play
against; we’re going to be ready.” The Bruins have
twice faced the Tar Heels in the College Cup losing 2-1 in the
finals in 2000 and 3-0 in the semifinals in 2003.
FRESHMEN: Even though the Bruins are led this
year by two seniors, Oakes and Mora, UCLA has seen its freshmen
step up and fill some pivotal roles. Four freshmen: Lang, Christina
DiMartino, McCall Zerboni, and Erin Hardy have been starting in the
postseason. The added pressure of the playoffs doesn’t seem
to be bothering them as Lang leads the Bruins this year in
postseason scoring. DiMartino recorded two assists against Virginia
and Zerboni has recorded one goal and three assists. Blake Zerboni,
McCall’s sister, has come off the bench to score two goals,
while Hardy has been a key member of a defense that has shut out
each of its four playoff opponents. “I think playing the
non-conference and conference seasons prepared them for (the
postseason),” coach Jill Ellis said. “They’re
still freshmen. It’s still new terrain for them as far as the
playoffs and what’s at stake, but I also think the older
players do a nice job of keeping them grounded and
confident.”