The University of Arizona women’s soccer team collected a 2-1 defeat against the University of California, Berkeley on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Edwards Stadium.
This concludes the Wildcats on the road series before they enter their conference schedule.
First half
Berkeley was able to find the net early on in the second minute of play with a shot from outside the 18-yard box from Coco Thistle, a senior midfielder. While this kickstarted Cal’s offensive efforts, it didn’t put a damper on Arizona’s attempts in their final third.
Aurora Gaines, Wildcat forward, drove down the flank numerous times in an attempt to find someone on the receiving end of her crosses; however, no one was able to connect.
Arizona maintained possession for a good portion of the entire half, getting several dangerous opportunities on Cal’s goal. Notably, the Wildcats had corner kicks that offered chances to score but the team wasn’t able to put the ball in.
As the ball moved back into Arizona’s defensive line, Cal pushed its offense and earned a corner. Off of several ricochets, Elle Kivo, a freshman defender, scored with a header-goal, advancing Berkeley’s lead to 2-0.
The Wildcats tried to keep possession in their offensive third with urgency to get a goal as the time ran out but ultimately fell short-handed.
Second half
Arizona’s defense started to show some holes early into the second half as Cal players were finding gaps for through-balls. The Wildcats’ offensive attempts were limited as they struggled to maintain possession in the middle of the field. This resulted in a constant build up from the back to reach their offensive which gave Berkeley time to pressure and cause turnovers.
Nearing the 12th minute of play, Arizona had two back-to-back chances on goal, both of them resulting in major saves from Cal’s goalie, Teagan Wy. As chemistry continued to flow for Arizona, Lily Boydstun, a sophomore midfielder, scored the Wildcats’ first goal of the game in the back left corner.
This amped up Arizona’s momentum moving forward into the match as the Wildcats now stood just one goal away from Cal.
Cal continuously pushed its possession forward, trying to slip behind Arizona’s defense. However, the Wildcats turned their crosses into transition for their own possessive opportunities.
Arizona still struggled to keep the ball through the middle of the field and often turned the ball into Cal player’s feet. Cal successfully read Wildcat passes and intercepted the ball before it could reach threatening through-lanes.
Arizona’s goalie Olivia Ramey made crucial saves for the Wildcats, keeping them in the game.
As the game came to its last 10 minutes, Arizona pushed to try and seal another goal to tie the game. They had several close shots, but ultimately could not get the ball in the net.
When the whistle blew, Arizona accepted its 2-1 defeat.
Looking ahead
Arizona women’s soccer will return home to compete against the University of Denver on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. This will be the Wildcats’ first game back home following their three-series road games.
