Oct. 21, 2011
Box Score
BERKELEY - The No. 15 California women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Colorado Friday afternoon at Edwards Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. Despite holding a 20-10 advantage in shots and controlling possession throughout, the Golden Bears (10-4-2, 3-2-2 Pac-12) fell behind on a score by the Buffaloes (4-9-2, 1-5-1) in the 62nd minute and searched feverishly for the equalizer with several near-goals, but came up short in the contest.
The loss snapped a three-match unbeaten streak for the Bears, who were held scoreless for just the fourth time in 16 matches this season.
"We should first credit Colorado for finding a way to win," said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. "We had many chances and did not take advantage of the opportunities. One game does not define us and we are looking forward to Sunday's game against Utah and celebrating our senior class."
The lone score of the match came midway through the second half. Colorado's Hayley Hughes and Cal goal keeper Emily Kruger broke free for a loose ball at the top of the box with Hughes getting her foot on the ball before the two collided. The ball, meanwhile, soared into the air and landed in front of the open goal before it trickled into the empty net for the score.
The Bears aggressively fought to tie it up with seven shots over the final 25 minutes of the contest. Junior Samantha Walker rocketed a ball from 25 yards out that bounced off Colorado goal keeper Kayla Millar and ricocheted off the cross bar. An alert Grace Leer collected the bouncing ball and attempted a wild shot from close range that also bounced off the cross bar before being corralled by Colorado.
Cal nearly took the lead in the 10th minute of the contest when a Mekenna DeBack header off a corner kick just missed wide of the post. Senior Katie Suits fired a shot just before halftime that also missed just wide of the post.
Colorado's Anne Stuller got off a hard shot from the top of the box shortly into the second half, but Kruger made a spectacular diving stop to save a goal.
Ten minutes later the Buffaloes broke the scoreless tie with the score.
DeBack led the Bears with three shots, while Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, Rachel Mercik, Miranda White, Thelma Bjork Einarsdottir, Walker and Leer had two apiece.
Kruger had two saves in goal for Cal, while Millar recorded six saves for Colorado.
The Bears held a decisive advantage in corner kicks as well, 11-6.
The defeat was just the second of the season for Cal at Edwards Stadium, moving its record to 5-2-1 at home.
The Bears return to action Sunday against Utah at 1 p.m. on Senior Day at Edwards Stadium. Prior to the match, the California program will honor its six-member senior class.
