The California men’s soccer team, ranked 17th nationally, lost its home opener to the University of San Francisco with a score of 2-1 on Thursday at Edwards Stadium. Both teams now hold records of 2-1-0.
USF took an early lead in the first half. Brayden Beason scored in the 29th minute after receiving a long cross from David Raphael. Just three minutes later, Samuel Atiye added another goal for USF after a blocked shot landed at his feet, putting Cal behind by two goals.
Cal responded in the second half with increased offensive pressure. The Bears earned a penalty kick in the 56th minute following a sequence initiated by freshman Callen Lewis, whose cross was parried by USF goalkeeper Lucas Jones into midfielder Noe Morales. Morales was fouled in the box, resulting in Alfredo Ortiz converting his second penalty kick of the season and narrowing the deficit to one goal.
Ortiz has successfully converted all three penalty kicks he has taken as a member of the Golden Bears. His previous penalties include one earlier this season during Cal’s win over Saint Mary’s and another game-winning penalty against North Carolina during last year’s ACC Championship.
After scoring their lone goal against USF, Cal continued to press offensively but was unable to find an equalizer. Cam Wilkerson’s shot was saved by Jones in the 61st minute, Morales missed high in the 85th minute, and Luka Lukic had his attempt stopped late in regulation.
“We’ve got to find a way to bring that second-half energy into the first half, and if we do that we’d be a tough team to play against and beat,” Cal head coach Leonard Griffin said. “I’m happy with the guys’ fight, but at the same time there’s a lot for us to take away and learn from. And we have to adjust, rest and get ready for UCSD on Sunday to get a result here at home.”
Cal will host UC San Diego on Sunday for another nonconference match at Edwards Stadium.
For more updates on California men’s soccer, fans can follow team accounts on X (@CalMSoc), Instagram (@CalMSoc), and Facebook (/CalMSoc).
