UCLA Beats Clemson to Reach Final Four

The UCLA men’s soccer team’s quest for a third national title continues after a 2-1 victory over Clemson in the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament Saturday at Spaulding Field.

Martin Bruno’s second-half goal, in the 67th minute, snapped a 1-1 tie and helped to launch the Bruins to their first Final Four since 1994. Bruno eluded three Clemson defenders in the open field before his 25-yard shot beat Clemson goalie Matt Jordan.

UCLA (20-2) will play either Indiana or South Florida, which play today, in the semifinals in Richmond, Va. on Friday.

Clemson (11-7-3) took a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute when John Wilson scored off a Jason Kamlet corner kick.

After a number of scoring opportunities were squandered early in the second half, UCLA caught a break that set up the tying goal.

The Bruins were granted a penalty kick after Clemson defender Jeff Bilyk pulled down Bruno in the penalty area. Pete Vagenas scored on the resultant kick to tie the score in the 58th minute.

“As long as we had [Clemson’s lead] at one, I wasn’t too concerned,” UCLA Coach Sigi Schmid said. “I knew we were a tough team to keep from scoring. It happened once against Alabama Birmingham (Sept. 12) and hasn’t happened since.”