Title or bust for Bruins

UCLA

CARY -- There's only one women's soccer program that has been to every College Cup held in Cary.

The answer starts with a "U" and includes a "C" but it's not who you think it is. UCLA, not UNC, has turned SAS Soccer Park into its home away from home. The Bruins made the Final Four in Cary in 2003, 2004 and 2006 -- the Tar Heels missed the show in 2004.

"Well," UCLA coach Jillian Ellis said, "we're back."

The problem for the Bruins is winning the national title.

UCLA has won 99 NCAA team titles, but not one in women's soccer. It's not for a lack of trying. The Bruins (21-3), who face UNC at 3:30 p.m. today in the first semifinal, have reached the title match two straight years. They lost to Notre Dame, on penalty kicks in 2004 in Cary, and last year to Portland.

"This is what we're trying to achieve and get here every year," said Ellis, a former assistant coach at N.C. State. "My team always manages to find another gear once the playoffs come around."

That UCLA made the College Cup for the fourth straight season is not a surprise, but how the Bruins have managed to become a national power is.

The Pac-10 champions have only two seniors starting, Stacy Lindstrom and Bristyn Davis. The leading scorer, forward Lauren Cheney (19 goals), is a freshman.

The roster is not filled with California club all-stars. The soccer-rich state produced keeper Valerie Henderson, from Orinda, and talented defender Erin Hardy, from Costa Mesa, but the rest of the lineup hails from New York (Davis), Indiana (Cheney), Ohio (second-leading scorer Danesha Adams) and beyond.

Ellis credits recruiting and competition among the players with keeping her program among the best. The only thing left for the Bruins is to win a title. To get there, they'll have to beat the Tar Heels (25-1).

Carolina owns a 3-0 NCAA Tournament record against the Bruins, including a 3-0 victory at SAS Soccer Park in the 2003 national semifinals.

That Carolina team was one of coach Anson Dorrance's best. This time, there's no such aura of intimidation by this Carolina team.

SEASON RECORD 21-3-0

SOCCER AMERICA RANKING 3

WHEN THEY PLAY 3:30 p.m.

The Bruins

NCAA titles: None

Leading scorers: Freshman Lauren Cheney has 19 goals, while Danesha Adams has 12.

Other key players: Senior Bristyn Davis gives the Bruins experience on their back line.

Goalkeeper: Valerie Henderson, UCLA's all-time wins leader with 53, has allowed 13 goals this season.

2006 NCAA Tournament: The Bruins beat UNLV 6-1, Cal State-Fullerton 3-1, Florida 3-2 and defending champion Portland 2-1.

2006 season: The Bruins had big wins over Texas A&M, California and Pepperdine, but got blanked 3-0 by Santa Clara in September.

Did you know: UCLA is the only team to reach the Women's College Cup the past four years, but the Bruins have yet to win the title.

Head coach: Jillian Ellis is 153-30-7 in her eighth year at UCLA.

Assistant coaches: Joe Mallia, Mark Carr

Scouting report: Duke coach Robbie Church on UCLA:

"The Bruins have as talented a roster as anybody here at the final four. ... UCLA's been here four years, and I think if you keep putting yourself in that arena, your number's going to pop up sometime."