It was a successful start to the season for UCLA club soccer.
Both the men's and women's club soccer teams played in their season opener this past Saturday against Cal State Long Beach. These opening games marked a similar challenge for both teams: learning to play cohesively with new players.
"I really didn't know what to expect because there were so many new faces," said men's head coach Noah Rothstein.
The men's team graduated about 16 seniors last year, and are also missing players who are currently abroad. Fortunately, tryouts brought them a new group of talented athletes who are ready to step up this season.
"Long Beach is a really strong team," said Marco Romoof the men's squad. "It was really encouraging to see the freshmen step up and get some goals."
The men came from behind to defeat Long Beach 2-1, with both Bruin goals scored by freshmen. After giving up an early goal, UCLA tied it at halftime and secured the win in the second half.
"The game showed a need of our outside defenders and outside midfielders to start to attack and press higher," Coach Rothsteinsaid. "So I think this week, practice is really kind of dedicated to attack and to get more opportunities for those players, and then to continue to grow and build as a team."
Like the men, nearly half of women's club soccer team is new.
"We got nine new players," said MarlenaBacklar, one of the captains of the women's squad. "They are all extremely motivated and clearly dedicated to the team and dedicated to soccer."
Despite the many unfamiliar faces, the women's team was able to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory over Cal State Long Beach and maintain consistent control of the game.
"That was our first game together as a new team," Backlarsaid. "We already are clicking so well. Even in practice, I think we all have the same mentality; not only for hard work, but also just the kind of way that we all play."
The Bruin women played another match on Sunday against UCSD, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Coach Juan Urquietasaid this opening weekend was a promising start for the team.
"I think there is improving to do, but there was also a lot of really good connections that were made during both games," Coach Urquietasaid. "That's ultimately what we want to see. The recruits coming in, we're going to blend in, and we are going to perform the way we want to."
The Bruin women will travel to UCSBthis weekend to face Colorado Black and USC, and the men will face USC at home on Sunday.
