No. 14 Cal Opens Season With Win At OSU

CORVALLIS, Ore. - California's long-awaited 2020-21 season started off with a win in Corvallis after a strong second half at Paul Lorenz Field on Friday night. The Bears open the season 1-0-0 (1-0-0 Pac-12).

"We are really pleased for the players as they played an excellent game tonight, especially after such a long lay off, " said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. "We must credit Oregon State as they gave us a great match and we look forward to our game versus Oregon on Sunday."

The Bears and the Beavs (1-1-1, 0-0-1 Pac-12) shared possession consistently throughout the match, but Cal's ability to put shots on target proved the difference. Both teams totaled 15 shots, but California held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. 

Paige Metayer took the first Golden Bear shot attempt in the 12th minute, but it was saved by OSU goalkeeper Bridgette Skiba. Oregon State striker Brianna McReynolds scored in the 19th minute, putting OSU up 1-0, but she was denied by Cal keeper Angelina Anderson one minute later when she tried to put the Beavers up by two. After a foul from Oregon State's Maddy Ellsworth in the 20th minute, Emma Westin tied the match with a penalty kick goal and the teams went to the locker room level, 1-1.  

The Bears offensive momentum continued after the break as Cal held a 9-7 advantage in shots in the second half. At the 46th minute, Metayer made a long-range goal through the Beaver defenders to give the Golden Bears the lead, 2-1. Cal extended the lead in the 79th minute with a goal from freshman Anysa Gray, assisted by Westin, as she beat an OSU defender in the box and finished far post with her left foot past Skiba. Anderson added two more saves in the second half as Cal too the 3-1 victory. 

The Bears finish the road trip on Sunday, visiting Oregon (2-1-1, 1-0-0 Pac-12) at 12 p.m. at Papé Field. The Ducks head into the match following an upset against No. 3 Stanford Friday night. The game is available to stream via Oregon Live Stream. 

For more information and updates throughout the season, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWSoc), Instagram (@CalWSoc), and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWSoc).