Cary, N.C. – The Tide met their match on Friday night against the Bruins of UCLA.
The Tide’s season came to an unfortunate end after the 3-0 loss to the Bruins in the College Cup. This was just the third loss of the year for Alabama.
The Crimson Tide looked outmatched from the opening kick, as UCLA put lots of pressure on goal early. The Bruins finished with an astounding 20 shots in the match, 11 of which were on goal. Alabama put up just 11 shots in the entire match.
Despite all the pressure, Tide goalkeeper McKinley Crone did everything she could, finishing the game with eight saves.
The main turning point in momentum came about halfway through the first half when Tide star Riley Mattingly Parker had a goal called back due to a controversial offsides call. UCLA came back on the following possession and opened scoring with a goal from Reilyn Turner.
Both teams had scoring opportunities throughout the rest of the first half, but neither team could capitalize, with the half ending at 1-0.
The Bruins came out hot in the second half, with Quincy McMahon scoring in the 51st minute and Madelyn Desiano scoring just two minutes later in the 53rd.
Desiano’s goal would end up being the dagger, as Alabama just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net the rest of the game.
UCLA will advance to the College Cup championship game, where they will take on North Carolina.
As for Alabama, their season may be over, but this is now a program that has established themselves as a contender in future seasons to come. Coach Wes Hart has this program near the top and has built something special in Tuscaloosa.
