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Men's Soccer Preview: Louisville battles UCLA tonight for a spot in the College Cup

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via www.santabarbarasc.org

Big stage tonight at Card Park.

This is the biggest college soccer game ever played in the state of Kentucky. It's the most important game in Louisville's history, by far. Before this season, the Cards had never made it past the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. Tonight they can write another chapter in their fairy tale season by playing their way into the College Cup, the Final Four of men's soccer. 

Even casual soccer fans should be familiar with tonight's opponent, the UCLA Bruins. Soccer in California is akin to basketball in Kentucky. And UCLA has sent more players to the professional soccer ranks than any other program in the country. Names like Cobi Jones, Brad Friedel, Paul Caligiuri and Joe Max-Moore, to name a few.

The Bruins' rep is more than big names, however. They're decorated where it counts. Those four stars on their kits, just above their namesake? They represent National Championships. UCLA's all-time NCAA Tournament record is 64-34. This is their 28th straight NCAA tournament and 35th overall, second only to St. Louis' 46. In summary, they've been here before. 

One reason to be optimistic as a Cardinals fan? Experience.

31 of the Bruins' 36 goals this year were scored by an underclassman. Aside from 5'-7" freshman midfielder Dylan Mares who leads the team in goals (8), Louisville is paced by upperclassmen.

Louisville statistical leaders include junior forward Colin Rolfe, who leads the team in total points (assists + goals) with 20, junior midfielder Kenney Walker in assists (7), junior midfielder Nick DeLeon in shots (63), shots on goal (28) and game-winners (4), and junior goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux, who ranks in the top ten nationally with a 0.59 goals against average.

One more interesting stat: UCLA is 2-4-1 when playing East of the Mississippi over the last three seasons.

Ken Lolla: "Being in front of five thousand or six thousand fans again and the opportunity to go to the Final Four is very exciting for us. My guess is [UCLA] probably won't like the cold."

Kickoff: 7pm EST
Location: Cardinal Park, Louisville, KY
Weather: Below freezing with snow flurries
Commentary: Sean Moth
Kits: Louisville in white, UCLA blue
Prediction: 3-2 (Louisville in 2OT)

Comment 167 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

Display:

Stream

http://www.ncaa.com/allaccess/

Select live events tab, then click on the camcorder icon next to Louisville vs. UCLA. Note: There probably won’t be any audio.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Dec 4, 2010 6:54 PM EST reply actions  

This ref might tie that official the US had in the World Cup Slovenia match

for sheer utter incompetency. One offisde overturned resulting in a UCLA goal and a CLEAR violation in the penalty box

by centre_card on Dec 4, 2010 7:40 PM EST reply actions  

Sean Moth is really, really good

Had no idea he knew soccer, too. Dude should call the Final Four games on TV. Nice thought should Louisville ever decide to build a big enough stadium to host a College Cup.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Dec 4, 2010 8:11 PM EST up reply actions  

What did Arreola do

after the first goal? Celebration was over the top?

by TheStranger on Dec 4, 2010 7:54 PM EST reply actions  

Wormer, he's a dead man! Marmalard, dead! Niedermeyer -

Now we could do it with conventional weapons that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.

by centre_card on Dec 4, 2010 8:00 PM EST reply actions  

That was quick!

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:15 PM EST reply actions  

he's on top of the press box?

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:18 PM EST reply actions  

The back lines are pushed so far up

You’d never know this was a tie game for a berth in the Final Four

by doctorofdunk on Dec 4, 2010 8:20 PM EST reply actions  

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:23 PM EST reply actions  

The joy of it was in the timing...

Moth: “And Louisville prepares to take the corner…”

[cuts camera to sky]

by centre_card on Dec 4, 2010 8:33 PM EST up reply actions  

More great camera work

lets check out the parking situation……

by TheStranger on Dec 4, 2010 8:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Low budget. One camera, one announcer.

I think they’re doing a pretty good job, all things considered.

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:36 PM EST up reply actions  

And there's one UCLA alum I haven't heard them mention

Denny something or other, used to coach basketball near where they’re playing.

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Did you see that

diving header in defense? Wow.

by TheStranger on Dec 4, 2010 8:29 PM EST reply actions  

This is a tough call for a coach

Being up a goal, in this big of a game, whether to pack it back and get conservative or keep the pressure up. Should be interesting to see what they do, there are pros and cons to both strategy.

by doctorofdunk on Dec 4, 2010 8:37 PM EST reply actions  

agree

we went conservative in the Big East championship game (even took out Rolfe after his last goal in 2nd half) and let Providence tie it up in the final 7 minutes. I say keep pressing them.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Dec 4, 2010 8:40 PM EST up reply actions  

lol somebody kicked out the plug on the camcorder

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:42 PM EST reply actions  

I'd lke to see some insurance here

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:43 PM EST reply actions  

That looked dangerous

UCLA took a rather rash shot there

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:48 PM EST reply actions  

Damn

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:49 PM EST reply actions  

YESSSSSSS!

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 8:59 PM EST reply actions  

What a game!

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:00 PM EST reply actions  

Lots of heart

down 3-1 in soccer is no joke. To comeback and take the lead is amazing. To lose the lead and then get it back in the last minute is Epic

by TheStranger on Dec 4, 2010 9:02 PM EST reply actions  

A

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Because the ref stops the clock when needed

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Aha.

Imagine that. Why would anyone think to do that?

by CARD_G6 on Dec 4, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions  

UR DOIN IT WRONG

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Hahahaha

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions  

CARDS.

I turned it on with less than 5 to play. Fuck finals, that was incredible.

by crazygameofpoker on Dec 4, 2010 9:04 PM EST reply actions  

I am a soccer fan

and this is a pretty amazing awesome incredible goal! I doubt Messi can do this one in the snow. Horton is my hero now. What is his jersey number? Gotta buy one now!!
GO CARDS!!

by CardsTrueFan on Dec 4, 2010 9:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I can't help but think

that in the conversation about greatest Louisville sporting events, this game will rate in the top ten (at least).

by centre_card on Dec 4, 2010 9:26 PM EST reply actions  

depends on what happens next

"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"

by rickmbari on Dec 4, 2010 9:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Who the hell are you?

Nice name. Looks like Centre is taking over Card Chronicle. Helluva game by the Cards. Don’t be surprised if the U goes after Ken Lolla.

by centrecard on Dec 4, 2010 9:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Was at the game again, it was amazing.

Set a new record attendance for Kentucky 5,400. Great turn out, great game. Wish the guys luck in the ‘final four’. Anyone know if the games will be televised?

-Dustin

by Civicman86 on Dec 4, 2010 10:04 PM EST reply actions  

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