BERKELEY – The No. 10 California women's soccer team suffered its second straight loss for the first time this season falling to No. 3 Duke 2-1 Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Devils (11-1-0, 6-0-0), who were named the top team in the country in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week, came out firing in the first half taking 12 total shots, but could not break through. Cal goalkeeper
Teagan Wy saved all five attempts that landed on frame. The Golden Bears (10-3-2, 3-2-1) broke the scoreless tie in the 39th minute as
Velize King sprinted up the right touchline and played a beautiful ball into the box for fellow senior
Karlie Lema. The ACC's leading goal scorer collected the ball, turned and fired in her 14
th goal of the season to give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Lema, who is now tied for seventh on the program's all-time scoring list with 29 career goals, is just one short of tying Brandi Chastain for the fourth-most goals in a single season. Her 34 points on the year are just two shy of tying Alex Morgan's best single-season effort of 36.
Duke found the equalizer in the 71st minute off the head of Mia Minestrella before scoring the game winner in the 87th off the boot of Cameron Roller, who tapped in a rebound from a shot that was initially saved. It is the first time this season that the Bears have given up a lead in a loss and the second time this week that a late goal that was scored on a rebound has prevented them from coming away with points.
Cal graduate student keeper
Kelly McManus entered the contest in the 56th minute and made two saves.
The Bears will now hit the road for the second and final ACC road trip visiting No. 13 Notre Dame on Thursday and Louisville on Sunday.
