With the regular season winding down, a rivalry match looms on the horizon.
No. 25 UCLA men’s soccer (8-3-5, 3-3-3 Big Ten) will face No. 6 Washington (10-3-3, 6-1-2) on Wednesday evening at Wallis Annenberg Stadium. The match against the reigning national champion is the last of the regular season for the Bruins.
From Sept. 28 to Oct. 10, UCLA recorded a four-game win streak, which ended with a 4-3 loss against then-No. 18 Wisconsin.
Since that loss, UCLA has captured just one win – a 3-1 victory over nonconference opponent University of San Diego. The team’s most recent game was a 3-1 loss to then-No. 4 Indiana – its first on home turf this season.
Senior midfielder Philip Naef sits on the ground during the game against Indiana. Naef leads the Bruins in assists, recording six throughout the season. (Libby Li/Daily Bruin)
According to coach Ryan Jorden, the recent struggles do not factor into the matchup with the Huskies.
“(Our) rivalry with Washington goes way back, and so I don’t think that takes a lot for us (to get ready),” Jorden said. “The guys know we got another big game. It matters a lot. It’s at home. We’ll be ready to go come Wednesday.”
Last season, the squads also faced off for their final match of the regular season – a game where UCLA walked away with a 4-2 victory in Seattle.
Junior midfielder Allan Legaspi said wrapping up the regular season on their home field, where the Bruins boast a 6-1-2 record, will make for a competitive match.
“It’s going to be a good game, especially playing at home, (where Indiana was) our first loss,” Legaspi said. “We’re going to bounce back, and with the fans, we’re going to be able to get the result.”
One of Washington’s largest threats on goal is midfielder Zach Ramsey, who has scored 18 of the team’s 39 goals this season.
Junior midfielder Allan Legaspi volleys the ball against Indiana. Legaspi has played in seven games this season, starting two. (Libby Li/Daily Bruin)
However, the Bruins can counteract Ramsey by using one of their biggest strengths: balanced scoring.
Three players boast at least five goals throughout the season, with fifth-year forward Diego Castano leading the way with seven. With a win for the home squad being crucial in qualifying for the Big Ten Tournament, the game comes with pressure.
Despite the game’s implications, the Bruins are ready to compete.
“We know Washington’s a top team,” said sophomore midfielder Adrian Aguilar. “We’re also a top team. At the end of the day, we know we’re playing for the next game, coming back home with the same mentality.”