BERKELEY – Coming off its first defeat of the season, the Cal women's soccer team responded in convincing fashion on Friday afternoon, beating Harvard 2-0 at Edwards Stadium. The Golden Bears (2-1-0, 0-0-0 Pac-12) continued their streak of success in Berkeley, improving to 2-0-0 at home on the season and recording their 18^th consecutive home win in non-conference play. Miranda Nild and Emma Westin scored for the Golden Bears in the win while goalkeeper Olivia Sekany recorded her second shutout of the season.

The second meeting all-time between the Bears and Crimson (0-1-0 0-0-0 Ivy) saw Cal take control in the early stages, getting into the attack from the opening whistle. The efforts paid off in the 14^th minute when forward Abi Kim was fouled just outside the box on her way in on goal. Nild lined up the ensuing free kick and left no doubt, burying it in the back of the net. It was the first goal of the season for Nild, who made her season debut after returning from international duty with the Thailand Women's National Team. Nild tied for the team lead in scoring last season with seven goals and was voted the Bears' offensive MVP.

Cal continued to press in the attack throughout the first 45 minutes, outshooting the visiting Crimson, 8-0, in the first 45 minutes. The offensive intensity carried over into the second half, which saw Cal outshoot Harvard, 11-1.

The Bears nearly doubled their lead in the 52^nd minute when midfielder Mia Corbin slipped a ball into the box that hit Kim in stride. The Under-20 U.S. Women's Team member got in one-vs-one, but Harvard goalkeeper Kat Hess was able to make the save.

Cal's persistence paid off in the 68^th minute, when Westin found the back of the net. Junior Kayla Fong – who scored in Monday's loss to Santa Clara – got the ball at the top of the box and found Westin for the finish. It was the first goal of the season and the second career score for Westin, who also tallied three assists last season as a freshman.

The sophomore from Stockholm, Sweden, saw Friday's result as an important response for the young Bears side.

"It's important that we take care of business at home and put away our chances," said Westin. "I thought we fought really hard today and from the very start were putting the work in. I thought we did a really good job of keeping the ball in the attacking half. We didn't stress and when we found the right moment, we went for it."

The Bears will be back in action at home next weekend, hosting San Diego State at 4 p.m. PT on Friday, August 31, before a September 2 matchup vs UC Santa Barbara. Next Sunday's matchup vs the Gauchos will be carried live on Pac-12 Networks, the first of nine games televised on the Networks this season.

Keep up-to-date on the Golden Bears throughout the year by following the team on Twitter (@CalWSoc), Instagram (@CalWSoc), and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWSoc).