MADISON, WIS. - Wisconsin (10-3-1) continued their winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UCLA (8-4-1) on Thursday evening at McClimon Soccer Complex. Adee Boer's 54th-minute goal proved the difference in a tightly contested match between two NCAA powerhouses. What a Goal!!!!
The decisive moment came in the 54th minute when Adee Boer found the back of the net with a well-placed shot to the lower left corner, assisted by Kiara Gilmore. It was the only goal in a match that featured strong defensive performances from both sides.
The first half saw UCLA control much of the possession, generating several promising opportunities. Bridgette Marin-Valencia tested the Wisconsin defense with a shot in the 7th minute, while Lily Boyden forced a save with her attempt in the 19th minute. The Bruins earned five corner kicks in the opening period but couldn't convert their set-piece advantages into goals.
Wisconsin's defensive organization proved crucial in the second half as they protected their lead. UCLA's Val Vargas came close with two shots in quick succession around the 75th minute mark, but both attempts sailed high. The Bruins pushed forward aggressively in the closing stages, with Grace Shank's blocked shot in the 90th minute representing their final chance to equalize.
The match statistics highlighted UCLA's offensive dominance despite the scoreline. The Bruins outshot the Badgers 14-3 overall, with a 7-2 advantage in shots on target. UCLA also held a commanding 10-1 edge in corner kicks, though Wisconsin's defensive discipline ultimately proved more decisive than the statistical advantages.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. UCLA's Leena Powell generated multiple dangerous opportunities, including a low shot in the 42nd minute that tested the Wisconsin goalkeeper. For the Badgers, Ashley Martinez provided a constant threat on the counter-attack, while Jadea Collin anchored a resolute defensive effort that secured the clean sheet.
The tactical battle showcased Wisconsin's ability to absorb pressure and strike efficiently. The Badgers' compact defensive shape frustrated UCLA's attempts to play through the middle, forcing the Bruins wide where crosses were consistently dealt with by Wisconsin's center-backs. The home side's disciplined positioning and quick transitions proved the perfect antidote to UCLA's possession-based approach.
This victory extends Wisconsin's winning streak to two matches, helping them bounce back from their recent loss to Michigan State. For UCLA, the defeat marks their second consecutive 1-0 loss, following their setback against Washington last week. The Bruins' inability to convert chances into goals has become a concerning trend despite their overall strong play.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with matches on Sunday. Wisconsin hosts Southern California at 1:00 PM, while UCLA travels to Minnesota for a 2:00 PM kickoff. The Badgers will look to maintain their defensive solidity, while the Bruins must find their scoring touch to reverse their recent form.
The match demonstrated the fine margins in college soccer, where Wisconsin's clinical finishing and defensive organization trumped UCLA's statistical advantages. Despite managing just three shots all game, the Badgers' ability to capitalize on their best opportunity while shutting down the Bruins' attack proved the winning formula in this tactical chess match.