A team cannot always control its ultimate destiny.
But these are moments when the competitive spirit only becomes more important.
No. 10 UCLA women’s soccer (10-4-2, 7-2-1 Big Ten) will face off against Nebraska (3-3-10, 1-2-7) on Sunday in Lincoln.
Following a tie and loss in their previous two matches, UCLA trails Ohio State in the Big Ten standings by five points with two games remaining in the season. Whether the team even has a chance at the top spot ultimately rests outside of its control.
UCLA, however, is committed to focusing on the what it can control.
“We do not know what Ohio State could do,” said junior defender Paloma Daubert. “So making sure we are ready and prepared, taking training seriously, and making sure we recover right as a team will help us guarantee a good starting energy point with Nebraska.”
Ohio State still has to face Illinois and Michigan. The Bruins narrowly defeated the Fighting Illini 2-1 on Oct. 11, and the Wolverines have a winning record on the season. But both teams will need to take down Ohio State to give UCLA a shot at the conference title.
Each of the Cornhuskers’ last five games ended 0-0, and their sixth most recent was a 1-0 victory. It may be a difficult game for the Bruins, who have been shutout in back-to-back matches, to get back on track offensively.
“They tied again 0-0, so that is going to be another tough game to score goals,” said coach Gof Boyoko. “I believe in the team, and I know that we are going to get back on the score sheet.”
On Oct. 8, UCLA had a massive five-goal performance against Indiana. The Bruins – who continue to average 12.9 shots per game – have the potential to blow any defense open, even one as stalwart as the Huskers’.
Additionally, UCLA brings similar defensive fortitude, having allowed only one more goal than the Huskers all season. UCLA has also allowed opponents 3.75 fewer shots than Nebraska. This will take pressure off of the Bruin backline and allow them to control the game’s tempo – something coach Boyoko continues to emphasize.
“A big thing for us is putting up some goals early on and not waiting for as long as the second half, as most of our goals have been,” said sophomore midfielder Grace Shank. “Going out there early in the first half and making a statement is going to be important.”
In last year’s matchup against Nebraska, UCLA put two goals away in the first period on their way to a 3-0 victory. The Bruins peppered the Husker goal with 20 shots in the first half alone.
With a similar performance, UCLA could take charge of its penultimate regular-season match and return to Los Angeles flush with momentum for a match against crosstown rival USC next week.
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