The Cal men’s soccer team finished its injury-stricken 2009 season in last place in the Pac-10 standings. Fast forward to 2010: the Bears defeated the Cardinal on the final day of the season to claim the conference championship. Fans can expect excitement in this year’s Bay Area Derby, as well.
The classic match-up between Cal and Stanford already offers its fair share of drama — last year, a crowd of 2,415 witnessed sophomore Alec Sundly score the first two goals of his college career to give the Bears a title-clinching 3-2 win. 2011′s installment is once again slated for the regular season finale.
Despite the loss of the seven seniors, the Bears have acquired fresh talent in abundance with eight new freshmen. The young squad will have the added advantage of playing in their backyard at Edwards Stadium and will come in battle-tested. Cal’s two games before the Nov. 11 date include match-ups against highly ranked UCLA and San Diego State.
The Bears will be relying on their sturdy back line, anchored by an All Pac-10 honorable mention in junior Steven Birnbaum. The strong and consistent defender learned a great deal playing alongside Pac-10 Player of the Year and graduated senior A.J. Soares. Along with Sundly, juniors Anthony Salciccia and John Fitzpatrick make up an attacking force for Cal that could test the Cardinal.
The Bay Area Derby will be the first and only time the two cross-bay rivals meet in 2011. Emotions will be running wild and there could be more than just pride and a victory on the line that afternoon.
Image Source: Sean Goebel/Daily Californian
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