The last time that the UCLA Bruins played at BYU's South Field, the Cougars trounced the No. 1 ranked team in the country, 3-1.
A lot has happened since that iconic 2023 matchup, and now No. 19 BYU will look to repeat history when No. 4 UCLA travels to Provo on Saturday for the biggest non-conference game of the season for the Cougars.
Preview: No. 4 UCLA at No. 19 BYU
UCLA is coming off of a frustrating home loss to No. 7 Tennessee 1-0. Despite losing the game, the Bruins outshot the volunteers 17-1, with Tennessee's lone shot being the difference-maker.
This loss brought the Bruins' season record to 1-1-0 after defeating a respectable Georgia team in Athens, Ga., 1-0 in UCLA's season opener.
The Cougars climbed up to No. 19 this week after starting the season unranked, but defeating No. 24 Minnesota on the road 3-1. On Monday, BYU drew with unranked Cal Poly 2-2, bringing its season record to 1-0-1.
Names to watch for
BYU's Ellie Walbruch has become quite the player since transferring away from UCLA after her freshman season in 2022. Now the face of the Cougars' program, Walbruch already has two goals in her first two games of the season.
Notably, Walbruch scored the opening goal in BYU's 2023 victory over her former team.
Ellie puts one up for Brigham
— BYU Women's Soccer (@byusoccer_w) September 1, 2023
📺 https://t.co/G0bLX7Q2Oq pic.twitter.com/Efk5sQXZE3
On the Bruins' side, UCLA lost nine of its best players from last year, leaving a young squad to fill the holes. Bella Winn is one of those young players that excites the Bruins' coaching staff. The sophomore forward scored UCLA's lone goal in their season-opening win against Georgia.
How to watch BYU's home opener
Watch BYU take on the Bruins on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+.