In a highly anticipated match, the reigning national champions, UCLA women’s soccer team, are gearing up to open the NCAA women’s soccer tournament against UC Irvine. The clash is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. PST, with UCLA enjoying home advantage. This encounter holds particular significance as it marks the second meeting this year between these two teams. The Bruins emerged victorious in their earlier encounter in August with a commanding 4-0 win.
Bruins’ Impressive Track Record
UCLA’s participation in this tournament signifies their eighth consecutive appearance and their 27th overall. With a remarkable NCAA record of 74-20-7, UCLA has consistently excelled in women’s soccer. Over the past decade, the Bruins have advanced to the Round of 16 or beyond in nine out of ten seasons. Notably, they clinched final four berths in 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2022, securing national titles in 2013 and 2022, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in collegiate soccer.
The Matchup: UCLA vs. UC Irvine
UCLA, the top seed with a stellar 16-1-1 record, holds the Pac-12 championship title and is ranked second in the nation. UC Irvine, the Big West conference winners, come into this matchup with an 8-7-6 record. While UCLA’s impressive performance this season earned them the coveted top seed, UC Irvine’s recent successes in the Big West tournament highlight their determination and skill.
Road to the Championship
As the number one seed, UCLA has the opportunity to play at home throughout the quarterfinals, providing them with a significant advantage as they progress in the tournament. If they continue their winning streak, they could secure a spot in the College Cup, the coveted semifinals set to take place next month in Cary, N.C.
Other Notable Matches
Apart from the UCLA-UC Irvine face-off, two other prominent matchups in the NCAA women’s soccer tournament are worth noting. The 22nd ranked USC Trojans (10-4-3), an eighth seed, will host Grand Canyon (14-4-4), while unseeded Pepperdine (9-4-5) will challenge second-seeded Stanford (15-0-4), the number three team according to the United Soccer Coaches rankings. These matches, scheduled for Friday, promise intense competition and soccer prowess.
As the excitement builds for the kickoff, fans eagerly await this thrilling encounter between UCLA women’s soccer team and UC Irvine. With both teams showcasing exceptional talent, this match is bound to be a nail-biting affair. Stay tuned for an electrifying showdown as UCLA women’s soccer opens playoffs against UC Irvine, a clash that could very well shape the course of the tournament.
UCLA Women’s Soccer Playoff Excitement: UC Irvine Clash in Focus
What time does UCLA vs UC Irvine start?
UCLA, defending national champions, are set to kick off the NCAA women’s soccer tournament against UC Irvine at home on Friday. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PST. This face-off with UC Irvine, the Big West conference winner, marks their second encounter this year. In their previous match in August, UCLA emerged victorious with a convincing 4-0 win. The highly anticipated game promises an exciting showdown between these two skilled teams.
What happened to UCLA women’s soccer in the College Cup Final?
In a high-stakes College Cup final, top-seeded UCLA women’s soccer (21-2-1, 9-2 Pac-12) found themselves trailing 2-0 against the second-seeded North Carolina (20-4-1, 8-2 ACC) team in the 79th minute. This deficit presented a formidable challenge, as no team in history had overcome such odds to secure the national championship. Despite their remarkable journey, UCLA faced a tough battle in the final moments of the game, fighting against the clock and a determined opponent.
Will UCLA women’s soccer play NAU in the NCAA Tournament?
The No. 1 seed UCLA women’s soccer team (17-2, 9-2 Pac-12) is set to kick off their NCAA Tournament journey against Northern Arizona University (10-5-4, 7-1 Big Sky) in the first round. With high expectations, the Bruins are gearing up to face NAU, marking the beginning of their tournament campaign. This matchup holds the promise of an intense battle on the soccer field, as UCLA aims to make a strong start in their quest for NCAA glory.
Will UCLA play in the NCAA Tournament?
UCLA, boasting a remarkable record of 16-1-1, clinched the No. 1 seed, Pac-12 championship, and the No. 2 rank in the nation. This achievement ensures the possibility of playing at home up to the quarterfinals, providing a significant advantage. Meanwhile, their opponent, Irvine (8-7-6), a three-time consecutive Big West title winner, is entering the NCAA tournament for the fifth time. The anticipation surrounding No. 4 UCLA is palpable, as fans eagerly await their performance in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
What division is UC Irvine women’s soccer?
UC Irvine’s women’s soccer team competes in NCAA Division I as part of the university’s comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program. The program supports a total of 18 NCAA Division I sports teams, encompassing various disciplines for both men and women. These sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and water polo. UC Irvine’s women’s soccer team, representing the university in Division I, stands as a testament to their commitment to athletic excellence.
Where does the UCLA women’s soccer team play?
The UCLA women’s soccer team plays their home matches at a stadium with a seating capacity of 2,145, situated on approximately 3 acres of land (measuring 360′ x 250′). This venue serves as the home ground not only for the UCLA women’s soccer team but also for the UCLA Men’s Soccer team, UCLA club Rugby, and Lacrosse. Additionally, the stadium hosts a range of special events, making it a vibrant hub for sports and community gatherings.
