UCLA
Maryland
Late Goals Propel Maryland To Comeback Victory Over UCLA In Season Opener
August 29, 2008 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 29, 2008
Carson, Calif. - Playing just the sixth collegiate game ever in The Home Depot Center, in front of 3,214 fans, eighth-ranked Maryland rallied late in the game to defeat 14th-ranked UCLA, 2-1, in overtime in the 2008 season opener for both teams.
Senior forward Maxwell Griffin scored the game's first goal at 26:53, knocking in a close-range shot in the box. Kyle Nakazawa started the play with a cross into the box. Jason Leopoldo headed it to Eder Arreola, who touched it to Griffin for a left-footed shot and his 19th career goal.
The Bruins held onto the lead amidst a flurry of Maryland shots in the second half up until the final minute, when Sean Flatley scored on a header off a Graham Zusi corner kick with just 45 seconds remaining in regulation.
In the overtime period, Drew Yates sent a through ball up the middle to Rodney Wallace. Wallace made a nice move to get past Bruin goalkeeper Brian Perk and sent a right-footed shot into the empty net for the golden goal.
Maryland outshot UCLA, 13-5, including eight shots to one in the second period. Terrapin goalkeeper Will Swaim and UCLA's Perk each had one save.
The two teams will both be in action on Sunday at UCLA's Drake Stadium. The Bruins will play UC Riverside at 12:30 pm, followed by Maryland vs. California at 3 pm.
