At Wallis Annenberg Stadium, the UCLA women’s soccer team delivered a commanding win. After defeating Iowa on Thursday, the Bruins took down the Nebraska Cornhuskers 3–0. With sharp passes and standout performances across the field from UCLA, this victory was one to remember.
The match opened with UCLA taking control of possession. UCLA’s forward #12 Jordan Geis and midfielder #14 Val Vargas set an early tone with aggressive shots, keeping Nebraska’s goalkeeper Cece Villa on high alert. Despite several close goals, including a close range attempt from UCLA’s #20 Bella Winn when the net was briefly open, the Bruins’ persistence soon paid off.
Forward Payten Cooper dribbles the ball up to Nebraska's goal, hoping to add a fourth goal to the Bruin's dominating win over the Cornhuskers. The freshman ended the game with a goal scored, helping the Bruins to a 6-2-2 season record going into their game against USC next weekend. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
Midway through the first half, a foul on Nebraska gave UCLA a free kick opportunity. This was then followed by a perfectly executed play, Winn was able to find the top left corner of the net to score the game’s first goal. UCLA’s midfielder #10 Emma Egizii and Vargas were able to assist Winn, giving UCLA a 1–0 lead. And just three minutes later, Winn scores again. Assisted once again by Egizii, she shot into the bottom left corner, sending the crowd to its feet as UCLA doubled its lead before halftime. Going into the break, the Bruins were up by two and the Cornhuskers remained scoreless.
Junior Val Vargas prepares for a UCLA free kick. The Bruins would go on to win 3-0 over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
The second half continued UCLA’s dominance. Nebraska earned a few free kicks and their first yellow card for unsporting behavior, but the Bruins’ defense remained determined. UCLA’s goalkeeper #22 Mariangela Medina subbed in and delivered a save in the final minutes allowing UCLA to remain on top of the Cornhuskers.
UCLA’s final goal came from forward #24 Payten Cooper, who put the ball into the bottom left corner off an assist from Winn. It was the perfect ending to an already incredible night, reflecting the team’s effortless flow. By the end of the first half, the stats said it all, UCLA with 20 shots to Nebraska’s two. The win not only underscored the Bruins’ strategic precision but also their momentum as the season continues.
Defender Siena Meyer successfully keeps the ball away from Nebraska forward, Ava Makovicka. The Bruin defense and goal keeper played a huge role in shutting out the Cornhuskers and securing the Bru-WIN. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
From the sideline to the crowd’s energy, this wasn’t just another victory, it was a celebration in LA for the resilience and rhythm that shapes the UCLA women’s soccer. Next week the Bruins will be facing off against their cross town rivals, the Trojans. UCLA will host USC at Wallis Annenberg Stadium hoping to keep their momentum going.
