[UCLA-AMERICAN: Men] Unranked American stunned No. 1 UCLA, 2-1, at the Grange and Ashwill Memorial Tournament hosted by New Mexico. Dale Ludwig‘s goal in the 96th minute decided the match.
“We played really well and deserved this win,” said AU head coach Todd West.”We expect big things from this group.”
The match was the first meeting between the two teams since 1987. UCLA beat AU, 1-0, in the 1985 Division I final that went eight overtimes and 166minutes, the longest game in NCAA history.
The Eagles were the better team in the first half, outshooting UCLA 11-4. Captain Stephen Hauschildgave AU the lead off a pass from sophomore Jake Garcia. American led until the 77th minute when freshman Abu Danladievened the scored for the Bruins.
AU finished with a 17-11 edge in shots. Panos Nakhid led the Eagles with five shots. His father,
“Tonight’s loss is squarely on my shoulders,” said UCLA coach Jorge Salcedo. “I changed our system and tactics to attempt to improve upon our first weekend. From the beginning of the game, we were lacking rhythm and an understanding of how to movewith and without the ball. Credit to American, they fought hard and made plays that were the difference in the match.”
Enjoying the win,but now it’s on to the next one… #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/EokjtxIPqn
— AU Men’s Soccer(@AU_MSoccer) September 6, 2014
What happened in the game between the teams in 1987?