Facing off against its first new Big Ten opponent from the Pac 12, Indiana women’s soccer was unable to keep pace with UCLA, losing 1-0 to mark its second straight loss. The defeat marks a disappointing 0-2 start to conference play for the Hoosiers following their loss to Ohio State on Sept. 12, while also dropping their overall record to 5-2-1.
Although the final score was 1-0, the Hoosiers should be considered lucky it was this close of a margin, as the Bruins retained possession throughout the match and significantly outmatched Indiana in all offensive categories. This includes 11 shots for the Bruins with six on goal, versus just five shots for the Hoosiers with two on goal.
The Bruins also won the corner battle 8-3 and maintained pressure in Indiana’s defensive half, especially in the first 45 minutes. The lone goal in the match was scored by junior midfielder Sofia Cook on a hard shot to the top of the net from outside of the box.
UCLA continued to push for an insurance goal, but nothing materialized as the Hoosiers were able to keep the Bruins’ shots outside the box.
These long-distance shots were not enough to please Indiana head coach Erwin van Bennekom. He was disappointed in the time Indiana’s defense gave UCLA on the ball but saw growth after a schematic change.
“We gave them too many shots from outside the box, and they have the players that can score them,” van Bennekom said postgame. “First half we wanted to go man to man, and in the second half, we went more zonal to try and get the ball and counter from there, which worked well.”
A key storyline of the match was the Hoosiers’ inability to break through the Bruin back line. The Hoosiers were unable to materialize any consistent offense in the first half, as the Bruins flocked to the ball and retained possession after creating turnovers.
Indiana’s possession in UCLA’s half was fleeting, with nothing to report minus a few uncompetitive chances. The Bruins were able to consistently get defenders and midfielders back to neutralize any Hoosier attack and looked much faster to the ball than the home side.
The Hoosier offense improved in the second half, reclaiming the possession battle as the half progressed and switching formations in an attempt to get more players in the offensive half. This did lead to some noticeable improvements, including three corners in the second half compared to zero in the first.
UCLA remained collected, taking a more passive approach by packing in their defenders and denying Indiana open opportunities as they approached the 18-yard box. Graduate UCLA goalkeeper Ryan Campbell was rather untested, finishing with two saves. Only one shot caused concern for a potential goal, as Campbell dove to the lower corner on a shot by sophomore midfielder Elle Britt.
This was not an easy defense to break down, as the Bruins feature last year’s Pac 12 Goalkeeper and Defensive Player of the Year in Campbell and senior Lilly Reale, respectively.
Van Bennekom still has hope for the offense after back-to-back shutouts.
“We’ve been here before, and we’ve faced two really good teams,” Van Bennekom said.
The Hoosiers will look to get their first Big Ten win against USC at noon Sunday at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Follow reporters Sam Elster (@samelster1) and Matt Rudella (@mattrudellaIDS) for updates throughout the Indiana women’s soccer season.
