BERKELEY, Calif.– The California women's soccer team defeated San Francisco 3-2 in its home opener at Edwards Stadium Thursday evening. The Golden Bears scored three goals in a 20-minute span to earn head coach
Neil McGuire his 200th career win for Cal.
After surrendering the first goal of the match in the 29th minute Cal (2-0-1) was quick to respond with an equalizer in the 34th. A USF foul that occurred 10 yards beyond the 18-yard box set up a free kick for the Bears. Senior
Coco Thistle guided the set piece playing a perfect ball in for junior
Malia McMahon who scored her first goal of the season on a header.
As the first half was coming to a close Cal found another set piece opportunity with a corner kick in the 43rd minute. Junior
Miriam Hils fired a low cross into the box that was punched out strongly by Dons goalkeeper Tyra Bengtsson-Stenseth. The ball carried out of the penalty area and found senior fifth year
Noelle Bond-Flasza who quickly fired it back into a waiting
Mia Van More. The freshman forward gathered, turned and fired in the first goal of her collegiate career to give the Bears their first lead 2-1.
San Francisco (0-2-0) came into the second half and quickly tied the match with a goal in the 49th minute, but Cal's
Lumi Kostmayer got her team right back in front with the game winner in the 54th. The senior transfer took advantage of an error made by the Don's backline and made it hurt by striking from just inside the 18-yard box. Kostmayer now leads the Bears with two goals this season.
Cal won the shot battle 11-8 with both teams putting four shots on frame apiece.
Senior goalkeeper
Teagan Wy earned her second win of the season and picked up a pair of saves.
The Bears now have their sights set on an NCAA Championship first-round rematch with Pepperdine this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Edwards Stadium. The match will be aired on ACCNX.
