The California men’s soccer team secured a 1-0 win against UCLA on Sunday night at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, with newcomer Luka Lukic scoring the decisive goal in the final minute of play. The victory brings Cal’s record to 2-0 for the season, while UCLA drops to 0-2.
UCLA had the advantage in the first half, outshooting Cal 4-2 and recording the only shot on goal before halftime. However, Cal responded strongly after the break, taking 12 shots and putting three on target during the second half.
The game’s only goal came after Cal earned a corner kick with less than a minute remaining. Sophomore midfielder Kieran Bracken Serra delivered the corner to Lukic, who headed it past UCLA goalkeeper Ryan Tiltack at 89:42. The Bears then maintained their lead through the closing seconds.
“It was great service by Kieran,” said Cal head coach Leonard Griffin. “Philippe Dupont (Cal’s high performance coordinator) spearheads the execution of our set pieces, and it’s fantastic to see our guys execute their roles and responsibilities, especially when that results in a goal like tonight.”
Lukic has now scored three goals in his first two matches as a Bear. In last Thursday’s season opener at Saint Mary’s, he netted two goals before Cam Wilkerson added another for the game-winner. Griffin noted that coaches anticipated Lukic could make an immediate impact following his transfer from UC Riverside.
“We watched a ton of video and saw him playing multiple times,” Griffin said. “We figured if we could get him to Berkeley and surround him with other talented players, he could thrive.”
Griffin credited improved energy and tactical adjustments for Cal’s stronger second-half performances so far this season. “Just the energy of the group, a couple of tactical defensive adjustments and a fight that we hang our hat on as a team,” he said. “I’m proud of the character and grit that we had to have a much better performance in the second half tonight.”
Cal will play its next two games at home, facing San Francisco on Thursday and UC San Diego next Sunday at Edwards Stadium.
