SEATTLE – Kevin Carmichael scored the game-winning goal, Fernando Lara scored his first career goal, Evan Davila set up both goals and Marco Brougher made two saves in the win as the California men's soccer team defeated Washington, 2-1, Thursday night at Husky Soccer Stadium.
 
Cal – which has already doubled its win total of 2022 – improved its record to 6-4-3 (2-2-1 Pac-12). Washington is now 5-5-4 (2-3-1).
 
"It's a huge win, a huge result for us," said second-year Cal head coach Leonard Griffin. "Our guys battled and competed, and sometimes you just have to figure out a way to grind out wins. For them to show that grit and determination tonight was awesome. I'm super proud."
 
Two first-half corner kicks by Davila played a big part in the Golden Bears taking a 2-0 lead. In the 10th minute, Davila's corner found Carmichael, who nodded the ball down to Lara, and the midfielder scored from about 16 yards out. Along with producing the first career assist for Carmichael, the play produced the first goal in three seasons for Lara, who has started five games of the 12 he's played this year.
 
"Lara's goal is a prime example of this whole team's commitment to understanding they play a huge part no matter what their role is," Griffin said of the redshirt junior. "Everyone's bought into what's best for the team and everyone plays an important part. Lara takes advantage of the minutes he gets. He's a good soccer player and a better human being."
 
In the 33rd minute, a Davila corner from the other side found Carmichael again, and this time the ball deflected off of the leaping defender's upper back and into the net. Davila, a senior midfielder, now has three assists this season, while Carmichael has scored a career-high three goals in 2023.
 
"Evan's a great striker of the ball and puts the ball in a good area," Griffin said. "We have good targets in there, and we're thankful they were able to get on the end of those corners."
 
The Bears took the 2-0 lead into halftime.
 
Washington pulled one back in the 71st minute, when Imanol Rosales scored from a tough angle in the box. Cal led 2-1.
 
Brougher made his final save in the 77th minute, stopping a low shot by UW's Peter Kingston. The goalkeeper, who has started three games this season, including both games against Washington, has a team-best 0.69 goals-against average.
 
"Our backline in total was fantastic," Griffin said. "We did enough to get a shutout, but they scored a fantastic goal. For Kevin to get on the stat sheet was huge for us, but also Wyatt Meyer, Giancarlo Mota and Santiago Hopkins were lights out for us. In commanding his box and getting the result, Marco did well tonight."
 
Cal next plays at Oregon State on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT.
 
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