Different locations, same losing scores for Washington

Apparently location has no bearing on the game's outcome when the men's soccer team plays Pac-10 schools from Southern California.

The Huskies (9-5-2 overall, 3-4-2 Pac-10) had a winless weekend on the road, falling 1-0 to No. 17 UCLA Sunday, after drawing 0-0 in overtime with San Diego State Friday.

Those results are identical to the ones from earlier this month when Washington played host, right down to the score.

"We didn't have enough on the day. They seemed physically sharper, a bit quicker than us." said head coach Dean Wurzberger Sunday, suggesting that playing overtime Friday had some effect on yesterday's game.

The Bruins (10-3-2, 5-1-1) needed little more than the shutdown play of its goalkeeper Eric Reed to pull out the victory. The nation's top goalkeeper recorded six saves on nine Husky shots to get his 10th shutout this year. UCLA blanked every opponent on its home turf this season.

That little bit of help came from Kamani Hill at 60:34. The forward took a pass from Sal Zizzo, dribbled in and lined ip a shot off the inside of the right post that landed in the back of the net.

"No one could stop it," said Wurzberger.

The 1-0 lead held up, much in part to the play of Reed. Early in the game the Huskies had a three-minute span that offered plenty of scoring opportunities.

First forward Brett Hite put a shot on goal that Reed saved. Then at 11:56, senior Leo Totev made a run in the top of the box, but Reed came forward and smothered the ball before Totev could shoot.

Washington had another chance to score the equalizer at 81:34, but senior Mike Chabala's free kick went just wide to the right.

In the losing effort, senior goalkeeper Chris Eylander tallied a career-high nine saves.

"They're very strong defensively. You have to have a good attack," Wurzberger said. "We aren't firing on all cylinders."

The Huskies weren't firing on all cylinders Friday either. Despite out-shooting the Aztecs (8-1-5, 1-1-4) 14-8, the UW couldn't get one past goalkeeper Tally Hall.

Though the Dawgs did get chances in overtime. Sophomore Derek Crismier, an overtime sub, fired a shot that deflected off the post and went across the front of the goal.

Sophomore midfielder Ely Allen also had a good look, but an outstretched Hall saved his shot to the top corner of the goal.

Although the UW couldn't muster a score, the defense played superbly, keeping the team in the game and helping preserve the tie.

"I'm so proud of the guys that we didn't give up anything," Wurzberger told Gohuskies.com. "We were never in trouble defensively."