Ranked No. 1 in the preseason for the first time in school history, the UCLA women’s soccer team looked to get its 2006 season off to a fast start at the Penn State Invitational.
The Bruins faced off against No. 3 Penn State on Friday night and got the lightning-quick opening they were looking for with freshman Kristina Larsen netting a goal just 27 seconds into the match.
That lead would be short-lived, however, as UCLA ended up on the losing end of the 3-1 contest before a record crowd of 3,208. It was the first time since 2000 that the Bruins have dropped their season opener.
UCLA did bounce back nicely, beating Maryland 3-0 on Sunday to even their record at 1-1. Maryland had defeated No. 10 Tennessee on Friday.
Another freshman started the Bruins off on the right foot against Maryland, as Lauren Wilmoth earned the first goal of her collegiate career after scoring off a free kick in the 34th minute.
Despite the loss, the weekend proved to be a productive one for the Bruins, as six newcomers completed their first games wearing UCLA colors.
With several starters playing with Team USA at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championships, five freshmen (Larsen, Wilmoth, Lauren Switzer, Molly Kruger and Lydia Cook, along with sophomore transfer Molly Kruger) all started Friday’s match against Penn State.
Freshmen Jacqui Simon and Brittany Scannell also made their Bruin debuts over the weekend, acting as substitutes.
Junior goalkeeper Ashley Thompson started both games in goal, grabbing six total saves as well as the first victory of her career.
The Bruins open their home schedule next weekend, facing off against San Diego State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Long Beach State on Sunday at 1 p.m.
U-20s: Likely starters Valerie Henderson, Danesha Adams, Christina DiMartino, Erin Hardy and Lauren Cheney helped Team USA reach the semifinals of the U-20 Women’s World Championships, defeating Germany 4-1 on Sunday.
Adams, a junior, scored twice in the match, while Henderson started in goal and made four saves. Germany had been the defending champion.
The U.S. will face China on Thursday for the right to play for the championship. Brazil and North Korea will match up in the other semifinal.
The tournament, being held this year in Russia, is the premier women’s youth soccer tournament in the world.
With the finals and third-place game scheduled for Sept. 3, UCLA will again be without five of its best players next weekend.