BERKELEY – After falling behind in the first half of its season opener, the California women's soccer team scored a pair of second-period goals to top UC San Diego 2-1 Thursday night at Edwards Stadium. Both Golden Bear goals came off the boot of senior
Karlie Lema who earned her second career brace.
The season-opening victory marked a successful start to Cal's (1-0-0) new era as an ACC institution.
The early minutes of the match were quiet with neither team getting a shot off until the 17th minute. Cal's starting goalkeeper
Teagan Wy picked up a pair of saves in the first half including a highlight-level play made on a shot taken within the six-yard box.
The scoreless tie was broken by UCSD (0-1-0) in the 34th minute on a well-executed corner kick. Ellie Trevino played a perfect ball to Courtney Hilliard who redirected it straight through to give the visiting team a 1-0 lead at halftime. The Golden Bears won the first-half shot battle 6-3 and that aggressive play carried into the next period.
The first shot of the second half by either team came in the 50th minute as Lema attacked Triton keeper Ginny Fronk in the box as the ball was played back to her by a defender. Lema swiftly swooped in for a steal and scored the equalizer. She would end the match with eight total shots, five of which were on frame.
As the match crept into the final 10 minutes, the Bears' offense continued to apply pressure and broke through once again in the 81st minute. Senior defender
Courtney Boone played a beautiful ball from the defensive half all the way up to Lema who found herself in a footrace with a defender on the right sideline. After heading it out in front of her, the Bear forward got the defender on her hip, fired across the net, and rolled in the game winner.
Wy picked up the win with help from the Cal defense, which did not allow a shot on goal in the second half. The Bears totaled 13 shots and landed eight on frame.
Cal will head to the South Bay to face No. 22 Santa Clara on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+.
