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Freshman forward Katie Rivera controls the ball against the Mexican National Team during Saturday's game. The Bruins defeated Mexico, 2-1.

In the UCLA women’s soccer team’s 2-1 victory over the Mexican National Team at Drake Stadium Saturday, Mexico struck first as UCLA freshman Iris Mora scored in the ninth minute, striking the ball past Bruin goalkeeper Sarah Lombardo. Confused?

Mora scored against her UCLA teammates because the Cancun, Mexico native, who played in all Mexico’s matches in the 1999 Women’s World Cup, is a starting forward on the Mexican National Team. “It was a tough game, Mora said. “UCLA is stronger, and that is something we had to worry about. Our play was an improvement, but we need to get better.”

The No. 3 Bruins (7-1) evened the score when junior midfielder Whitney Jones headed the ball into the net. The first half ended in a tie, despite the Bruins outshooting Mexico 10-1.

“I knew it would be a hard-fought match,” UCLA head coach Jillian Ellis said. “They are the best (Mexico) has to offer. It was a good game for us and a good opportunity for our starters.”

The tie was broken in the 57th minute as a Lindstrom header made it into the net.

“We were expecting a tough match,” Lindstrom said. “They are all about gamesmanship, and we were ready for them.”

On a breakaway in the 85th minute, Mora got a chance to even the score, but Lombardo came up with the big save.

The Bruins will be without Mora at times this season as she will continue to play for Mexico. “We’ll miss her,” Ellis said. “She’s an important player for us.”

If there was a Mexico team member who was the least disappointed with the loss, it would have to have been Mora. At least her other team won.