WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Defender Kevin Carmichael headed in a first-half equalizer, and the California men's soccer team held on for a 1-1 tie with 18th-ranked Wake Forest on Sunday at Spry Stadium. The result was the Golden Bears' second 1-1 tie in the state of North Carolina, including Thursday's 1-1 draw at No. 10 UNC Greensboro.
 
"We had our chances," Cal head coach Leonard Griffin said. "I'm extremely satisfied, but as a competitor you always want the win. To come on the road and get two results in the draws is a huge sign for our group for our overall confidence and belief in ourselves. Hopefully this will be a springboard to give us momentum the rest of the season."
 
The nonconference result left the Bears with a 0-0-2 record. Wake's record is 1-0-1.
                                                                                                                           
Cal outshot Wake, 12-11, but the Demon Deacons took a 5-0 shot-advantage early. The Bears fell behind when Babacar Niang scored in the fourth minute for the Demon Deacons (1-0-1).
 
The Bears tied the match in the 43rd minute, when Carmichael headed in Juan Martinez's free kick. The goal was Carmichael's first of the season and second of his college career.
 
Cal had its chances to net the go-ahead goal in the second half. Martinez bent a shot just over the Wake crossbar in the 54th minute. Freshman Isaiah Thomas had a golden opportunity in the 54th minute, when his shot beat goalkeeper Trace Alphin. But a Wake defender cleared the ball just before it entered the goal. With video assistance available for the match, the referee reviewed the shot and ruled that it did not cross the goalline.
 
"They have VAR now, but I still want to look at it again," Griffin said. "Isaiah had a great week in both games and created lots of opportunities for the team."
 
Goalie Connor Lambe – making his second start for the Bears in 2023 – notched his lone save of the game when he stopped Cooper Flex's shot in the 89th minute and preserved the tie. Lambe also snared several crosses, while the Bears forced Alphin to make four saves.
 
"Kevin Carmichael was fantastic, and both him and Wyatt Meyer along with Connor were rock solid," Griffin said. "They put out a lot of fires. For Kevin to reward himself and the team with a goal is huge, and I'm happy for him. The service from Juan was special. It was a great ball from him, and Kevin finished it like I know he can."
 
Cal plays its home opener on Friday at 4 p.m. PT, when the Bears host Fairleigh Dickinson on Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium. The Bears then host Dartmouth on Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.
 
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