UCLA Bruins Earn 2-2 Draw at #3 Stanford in a hot battle on the field between top colleges. UCLA and Stanford GKs both made 4 saves and while the score may have ended even, UCLA out shot Stanford 20-9.
The UCLA Bruins played the third-ranked Stanford Cardinal to a, 2-2, draw on Friday evening at Cagan Stadium. Abu Danladi led the way with a goal and an assist, while Seyi Adekoya also added a goal in the tie.
“Last week we had a good performance against Stanford and tonight was even better,” said UCLA Head Coach Jorge Salcedo. “I’m really disappointed for our guys because they gave everything and deserved more. Stanford is having a great season and we stood toe to toe with them over two games and could have won both. In the end, we didn’t, but we can hold our heads high and move forward.”
Stanford (11-1-2, 4-0-2 in Pac-12) got on the board first in the match with a 21st minute goal from Foster Langsdorf. Defender Drew Skundrich received a pass as he was running down the sideline towards the right corner flag. He then served a perfectly placed cross into the box where Langsdorf re-directed the ball with his head to put Stanford up, 1-0.
UCLA (7-6-1, 3-2-1 in Pac-12) responded well and found the equalizer just 14 minutes later in the 35th minute. Freshman Jose Hernandez gained possession in his own half and sent a long ball over the top in search of Danladi. The service was on-point and found Danladi in behind the Cardinal defense just above the penalty area. The sophomore Danladi then controlled the ball and finished to the lower right corner of the net to tie the game at one.
An evenly played first half finished with Stanford leading UCLA in shots, 5-4, and corners, 2-0, after the opening 45 minutes of action.
The Bruins entered the second half looking to carry the late first half momentum and produced the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute. After a solid defensive play, Jackson Yueill sent a long pass over the top in search of Danladi deep in Cardinal territory. The striker made a sensational individual play to gain possession of the ball in between two defenders and cut towards the center of the pitch. He then found an oncoming Adekoya, who blasted a shot to the upper left corner to put UCLA ahead, 2-1.
Four minutes later, the Bruins were called for a hand-ball in their own box, giving Stanford a penalty kick. Defender Brandon Vincent stepped to the spot and calmly finished to the lower right corner to equalize for the Cardinal.
With neither team able to generate another goal in regulation, the two sides headed to overtime after 90 minutes of tightly contested play tied, 2-2.
In the first overtime, both teams played the majority of the period in the center third, but Jordan Vale came up with the best chance for UCLA. After making a move in tight space from his right to left, he let a hard left-footed drive go from 20 yards out. His attempt sailed just high, and both teams ultimately were forced to play a second overtime session.
With nothing doing in the second overtime, the game was ended in a 2-2 draw. The draw marked the first of the season for the Bruins.
Overall, UCLA out-shot Stanford, 20-9, including, 16-4, in the second half and overtime. Juan Cervantes and Andrew Epstein both made four saves apiece in the draw.
The Bruins will conclude their Bay Area road trip on Sunday, October 25 when they take on the Cal Golden Bears at 3:00pm PT. The game can be seen live on the Pac-12 Networks.
