They’re couriers on the pitch, the pieces that connect the puzzle. They stretch the field, create opportunities and occasionally tally goals. Ultimately, midfielders play a critical role for UCLA women’s soccer. But unlike other midfield crews across the country, the four starters aren’t cookie-cutter copies of one another. They each possess their own distinct skill […]
Category Archives: Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer highlights importance of defense in avoiding overtime
Washington State women’s soccer hardly had time on the ball. UCLA had dominated possession throughout Sunday’s game and held the lead since the 18th minute. Still, the Cougars managed to stay in the game. Their play grew with each passing minute. Then, in the 75th minute, they struck pay dirt and tied the game 1-1. […]
Women’s soccer defeats Washington State in physical game
The Cougars tried to bring the bite, but the Bruins didn’t flinch. Washington State’s on-ball pressure and physicality disrupted UCLA’s offensive tempo, culminating in a game-tying tally from Cougar forward Alysha Overland in the 77th minute. But 41 seconds later, senior midfielder Gabbi Miranda rifled the go-ahead goal, a left-footed dagger into the top left […]
Women’s soccer triumphs over Washington 3-2 in overtime
Another game, another overtime. For the fourth straight game and sixth time this season, No. 14 UCLA women’s soccer (11-3-1, 5-1-1 Pac-12) saw the match go past the regulation 90 minutes. Unranked Washington (6-9-1, 1-6-0) pushed UCLA into overtime, where freshman midfielder Jessie Fleming scored her second goal of the game in the 97th minute […]
Women’s soccer banks on wins versus Washington, WSU for a shot at Pac-12 title
Even with a 4-1-1 conference record, UCLA women’s soccer team still sits in the middle of the Pac-12 standings. While the top four teams – No. 22 Colorado, No. 10 California, Utah and No. 3 Stanford – face off this week, No. 12 UCLA women’s soccer (10-3-1) has a chance to climb the table when […]
Jessie Fleming attributes soccer expertise to track, hockey roots
At 18, Jessie Fleming – Olympic bronze medalist and breakout freshman for the UCLA women’s soccer team – plays with a veteran’s tactical nous and a youthful cutting edge that still has room for growth. Her journey, however, didn’t begin on the pitch. It began on the track and the trails in her London, Ontario, […]
Women’s soccer defense boosts overall offensive strategy
Every player has had a role in this year’s resurgent offense for UCLA women’s soccer. The forwards have finished and midfielders have facilitated. But a main reason why the Bruins’ offense has been efficient thus far stems from the defenders’ attacking capability. “It’s kind of built into the game plan,” said junior defender MacKenzie Cerda. […]