A second half comeback can be one of the most exhilarating wins, upending an opponent when they are least expecting it. In the game of soccer, strategic plays and goals in the final few minutes can completely turn around a score. Last Thursday, Cal women’s soccer toppled UCSD’s lead with an intense comeback after halftime.
Taking place in Bear Territory, the season opener began with strong tensions as neither team completed shots on goal until the 17th minute where Cal’s goalkeeper Teagan Wy notched a couple saves. Then in the 33rd minute, the Triton’s got on the scoreboard with a goal by Courtney Hilliard.
During halftime, the Bears regrouped and implemented a new strategy for the second half. In the 49th minute, senior Karlie Lema broke through the defense and swiftly scored a goal, tying the game 1-1.
“At halftime, we realized we can’t play around anymore,” Lema said. “We have to put one away in the first 15 minutes and then hopefully put another one away soon after that.”
Their ambitions translated on the field as they scored another goal in the 80th minute. Lema swooped in again after receiving a pass from defender Courtney Boone from the defensive half. Lema was toe to toe with a Triton defender on the sideline, blew by her and blasted a shot into the corner of the net — securing the 2-1 win for Cal.
“It was a good win to start off the season,” Lema said. “We were down in the first half, but we knew we needed to put one in the back of the net, so that’s what we did.”
The second half caught UCSD by surprise as the Bears’ defense did not let a single shot on goal get past them. Goalkeeper Wy made two saves the entire match, both in the first half. Cal ended the contest with 13 shots and eight of them on goal while UCSD only got three of five shots on goal.
Cal head coach Neil McGuire was proud of the team’s performance and second half comeback.
“UC San Diego was up a goal at halftime and when you’re a goal down, your only option is to have an improved mindset towards winning,” McGuire said. “Our players did a very good job of increasing their intensity, increasing their organization, being more precise with their passing and their offense. It led to the victory.”
Cal’s first season in the ACC has begun on a high note with a win. Lema and Boone are among the 11 Bears beginning their senior season in the ACC, an exciting yet bittersweet experience for them.
“We were all super excited, especially the seniors,” Lema said. “That was our last first-game. We went into it just thinking, ‘We got to win this.’ It’s the start of our season and it’s going to set the tone, so we knew we needed to come out with a win.”
Cal is set to play against tough opponent No. 22 Santa Clara this Sunday. The last time the Bears faced the Broncos was in the 2023 season and resulted in a 0-0 tie. Cal looks to continue its momentum from the recent victory and extend its one game win streak.
“This is a storied rivalry and a game that every player at Cal looks forward to,” McGuire said. “Both programs are very talented. Our players know that there is a real challenge ahead, but this is why we play the game at this level, to compete against the best and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to see where we are.”
Cal will be put to the test against Santa Clara in the rivalry match. Whether the game will be in the Bears’ favor will be determined on the Bronco’s home turf.
