Friday, September 13
Evanston, Ill.
7 p.m. CT
Northwestern
5-2-0, 0-1-0
0
vs
1
UCLA
3-1-2, 1-0-0
1
2
F
UCLA
1
0
1
Northwestern
0
0
0
Photo by: Mary Grace Grabill/Northwestern Athletics
UCLA Slips Past No. 14 Northwestern In Big Ten Opener, 1-0
9/13/2024 11:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
‘Cats outshoot Bruins in defeat, 15-5
EVANSTON, Ill. (September 13, 2024) – Jose Contell's penalty kick goal in the ninth minute proved to be the difference as UCLA (3-1-2, 1-0 B1G) escaped Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium with a 1-0 victory over No. 14 Northwestern this evening in the Big Ten Conference opener for both teams.
Tonight's setback sees the 'Cats fall to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play.
Gallery: (9-13-2024) Men's Soccer vs. UCLA
How It Happened
Rafael Ponce de León provided a highlight-reel stop just over six minutes in, racing out to deny Contell in a one-on-one situation. It proved to be only a matter of time for Contell when, following a Wildcat handball inside the 18-yard box, he calmly slotted home from the penalty spot to put UCLA on top, 1-0, in the ninth minute.
Northwestern had its chances to equalize ahead of halftime. Following a feed back towards the center of the box from Brandon Clagette, Akinjide Awujo saw his effort from six yards out collected by UCLA goalkeeper Sam Joseph. Peter Riesz made a bid to level the score in the 44th minute, sending his left-footed rocket narrowly wide of the near post as the Bruins took a one-goal edge into the break.
After opening his 2024 account earlier in the week, Nigel Prince nearly struck again in the 65th minute, ultimately forcing Joseph to parry his header from a Collin McCamy corner kick over the bar. Ponce de León did his part to keep Northwestern within striking distance in the 70th minute, denying Andre Ochoa's close-range blast at his near post.
The 'Cats generated a pair of corner kicks inside the final 20 minutes of regulation, but were unable to best Joseph down the stretch as UCLA held on for its first Big Ten Conference victory.
Looking At The Numbers
- Northwestern finished the night with a dominant 15-5 advantage in shots.
- Tonight marked the first time this season the 'Cats have fallen when outshooting an opponent (4-1 overall).
- Prince, who played all 90 minutes for a seventh straight outing, registered a team-high three attempts.
- Northwestern also owned a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.
- Ponce de León closed his night with two stops.
- Joseph tallied five saves in goal for UCLA.
Up Next
Northwestern turns its focus to the Pacific Northwest next week as it takes on Washington on Friday, September 20 in a 9:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff in Seattle, Wash.
Tonight's setback sees the 'Cats fall to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play.
How It Happened
Rafael Ponce de León provided a highlight-reel stop just over six minutes in, racing out to deny Contell in a one-on-one situation. It proved to be only a matter of time for Contell when, following a Wildcat handball inside the 18-yard box, he calmly slotted home from the penalty spot to put UCLA on top, 1-0, in the ninth minute.
Northwestern had its chances to equalize ahead of halftime. Following a feed back towards the center of the box from Brandon Clagette, Akinjide Awujo saw his effort from six yards out collected by UCLA goalkeeper Sam Joseph. Peter Riesz made a bid to level the score in the 44th minute, sending his left-footed rocket narrowly wide of the near post as the Bruins took a one-goal edge into the break.
After opening his 2024 account earlier in the week, Nigel Prince nearly struck again in the 65th minute, ultimately forcing Joseph to parry his header from a Collin McCamy corner kick over the bar. Ponce de León did his part to keep Northwestern within striking distance in the 70th minute, denying Andre Ochoa's close-range blast at his near post.
The 'Cats generated a pair of corner kicks inside the final 20 minutes of regulation, but were unable to best Joseph down the stretch as UCLA held on for its first Big Ten Conference victory.
Looking At The Numbers
- Northwestern finished the night with a dominant 15-5 advantage in shots.
- Tonight marked the first time this season the 'Cats have fallen when outshooting an opponent (4-1 overall).
- Prince, who played all 90 minutes for a seventh straight outing, registered a team-high three attempts.
- Northwestern also owned a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.
- Ponce de León closed his night with two stops.
- Joseph tallied five saves in goal for UCLA.
Up Next
Northwestern turns its focus to the Pacific Northwest next week as it takes on Washington on Friday, September 20 in a 9:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff in Seattle, Wash.
Team Stats
CLA
NU
Goals
1
0
Shots
5
15
Shots on Goal
3
5
Saves
5
2
Corners
5
7
Fouls
9
15
Scoring Plays
Jose Contell
CLA Jose Contell PENALTY KICK GOAL.
08:52
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
F
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