Courtesy: Jeff Najarian Shannon Foley

LOS ANGELES – The Virginia women’s soccer team had its season come to an end with a 2-1 overtime loss at UCLA, the nation’s consensus No. 1 team, in the NCAA round of 16 at Drake Stadium. With the loss, the Cavaliers end the year with a 13-4-6 record.

“Overall, we did all of the things we needed to do in this game,” said Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “We put ourselves in a position to win. Give UCLA credit, they are a great team and did a good job of rebounding after falling behind. I am so proud of our team and the effort that they gave in this game.”

The teams played to a scoreless first half with both sides registering four shots. In the second half, Virginia took the lead in the 76th minute of play. Shannon Foley (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) received a ball on the flank, dribbled past several defenders into the 6-yard box before firing shot inside the far post for her 10th goal of the season. UCLA answered in the 83rd minute on Kristina Larsen’s goal to force overtime.

The Bruins (19-1-2) got the game-winning goal from Lauren Cheney in the 98th minute. She controlled a loose ball outside the penalty area, turned and hit a looping shot just below the crossbar for her 22nd goal of the season.

UCLA outshot Virginia 15-7 in the game and had a 5-3 corner kick advantage. Chantel Jones (Midlothian, Va,) made seven saves for the Cavaliers while Valerie Henderson made four for the Bruins.

The Bruins advance to the quarterfinals and will host the Portland/Tennessee winner next weekend.

#1 UCLA 2, #17 Virginia 1
           
#17 Virginia (13-4-6)             0    1    0    1
#1 UCLA (19-1-2)                  0    1    1    2

Scoring Summary
1.    UVa. Foley, 10 (unassisted) 76’
2.    UCLA. Larsen, 5 (Cheney) 83’
3.    UCLA. Chaney, 22 (unassisted) 98’
   
             UVa    UCLA
Shots:       7      15
Corners:     3      5
Saves:       7      4
Fouls:       11     12

Cautions: none

Weather: 58 degrees, clear
Attendance: 953

NOTES: The game was the final game in the careers of Shannon Foley, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julia Falk, and Sarah Curtis ... Foley’ goal gives her 90 career points, tying Gayle Smith (86-89) for fourth on Virginia’s all-time list ... Foley ends the season with 29 points, tied for 10th most in a season in school history ... Virginia set school records on the season of 10 goals allowed, a 0.402 goals against average, and 15 shutouts ... Chantel Jones ends the season with a Virginia record 0.408 goals against average ... Jones ends the season with 73 saves, tied for fourth most in a season in school history.