No. 24 Cal Comes Up Short Against No. 22 UW

SEATTLE - The Golden Bears fell short on Sunday afternoon after a late push in the second half from the 22nd-ranked Huskies. The 24-ranked Bears now hold a 3-2-0 (2-2-0 Pac-12) record. 

Cal took an early lead after midfielder Emma Westin scored in the seventh minute off a long midfield assist from defender Maya Evans. The goal marks the third goal collected by Westin this season as she continues to lead the California offense in points. 

The Bears kept consistent control for the first half. Just two minutes after Westin's goal, defender Sydney Collins found her chance at a shot that was blocked in the eighth minute. Seconds later, Westin would get another attempt that went wide to the right. Cal took many plays down to their offensive third and earned three corner kicks in the first half. A corner in the 18th minute helped set up a play that gave Keely Roy her first shot on goal. 

While Cal held possession for most of the first half, Washington outshot the Bears 8-7. Overall, the Huskies outshot the Bears 15-10, the first team to outshoot Cal this season. Angelina Anderson gathered three saves off the Husky offense.

The Bears entered the second half with a good momentum. Keely Roy made a dangerous corner kick in the 46th minute that headed straight to the front of the net and was just barely punched away from Cal possession. In the 50th minute, the Bears got another close opportunity with a pass from Lily Arbaraghi to Natalie Hueston at the top left of the box. Hueston's shot was delfected and led to another Cal corner.

The Huskies found a late drive in the 65th minute. Washington's Summer Yates sent a pass that led straight to a goal by Ameera Hussen. Following the Cal goal kick, the Huskies were able to push the ball back to the Bears' defensive third and earned Washington a corner in the 70th minute.

Cal spent the next 15 minutes looking to regain the lead, but the Huskies instead scored another goal in the 82nd minute from Sianna Siemonsma, assisted by Yates. In dying minutes, the Bears rushed to drive the ball back to the final third but was unable to find a clear shot. 

The Bears next head down to the farm to face rival and reigning national champs Stanford on March 20 at 7:30pm. The game will be played as a non-conference rivalry matchup and will not count toward conference standings. 

Keep up-to-date on the Golden Bears throughout the year by following the team on Twitter (@CalWSoc), Instagram (@CalWSoc) and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWSoc).