TEMPE, Ariz. – Senior Samantha Witteman scored her second goal of the season to lead No. 23 California to a 1-0 shutout of Arizona State at the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.
The Bears (7-3-2, 1-2-0 Pac-12) earn their first conference victory of the season after Witteman's 78th minute goal that she struck across the mouth of the goal and into the back of the net following a Golden Bear free kick. The loss is the sixth consecutive for the Sun Devils (4-6-0, 0-3-0 Pac-12).
"This win was huge for us," Witteman said. "We got off to a bit of a rough start in conference play, and finishing off a travel weekend with a strong win puts us back on track."
California now leads the all-time series against Arizona State, 12-4-3, after holding the hosts to just two shots on goal in 90 minutes. It was the league-leading sixth shutout of the year for sophomore Emily Boyd in goal for the Bears.
Despite controlling possession throughout a majority of the first half, the teams went into the break scoreless with Cal holding a 9-4 advantage in shots through the opening 45 minutes. Six minutes into the second half, play was stopped for 25 minutes while medical personnel worked with an injured Sun Devil. Following the resumption of play, the Golden Bears continued to press with Heather Walleigh getting two shots on goal in the span of a minute.
The Bears wouldn't break through until Walleigh won a free kick after being pulled down from behind from 25 yards out on the left flank. The center ref issued a yellow card to Arizona State's Madison Stark, and the ensuing free kick eventually made its way to Witteman on the left side who shot between three defenders and into the far corner of the net at 77:41 for the 1-0 lead.
"Before the shot, I saw players stepping to me and saw the goalie shifting to the near post, so I aimed for the far post," Witteman said of the attempt.
Arizona State had one opportunity to equalize in the 89th minute, but Jessica Raybe's shot clanged off the crossbar. One final corner kick was given with 30 seconds remaining to play, but the Sun Devils could not get a shot off as the Bears hung on for the shutout victory.
The final stats showed a 14-11 Golden Bear advantage in shots and 5-2 edge in shots on frame. The teams attempted a combined 11 corner kicks, and Boyd finished the game with two saves for the Bears.
California returns home next weekend with a pair of conference games against Oregon and Oregon State at Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium.
Head Coach Neil McGuire's Take
"This is an important win for us. We have had real challenges with injury recently, and our players have battled through adversity. We are proud of them for that.”
“Arizona State is a very good team, and a win on the road in the Pac-12 is always a good thing.”
Goal Summary
77:41, Cal – Samantha Witteman (-) –Rolled ball through three defenders into the bottom corner of the net after a free kick
News & Notes
● California improves to 12-4-3 in the all-time series against Arizona State
● Play was halted for 25 minutes in the second half when Arizona State's Aly Moon was injured in a collision in the 51st minute
● Samantha Witteman's second goal of the season, both being game-winners (UC Riverside, Arizona State)
● The sixth shutout of the season for the Bears and goalkeeper Emily Boyd
● The Sun Devils finished with two shots on goal
● Six cards were issued in the game, one yellow to Cal and four yellows with one red to the Sun Devils – given to assistant coach Blair Quinn after the game
On The Horizon
California returns home next weekend with a pair of conference games against Oregon and Oregon State at Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium.
