The bout between the Bears and the Broncos lived up to its billing.
The faceoff between No. 12 Cal women’s soccer and No. 22 Santa Clara ended in a 1-1 tie after a 20-minute overtime period failed to produce a decider. The Broncos (4-2-1) are the first ranked team Cal (5-0-2) has faced this season, whereas the Bears are the fourth ranked opponent for Santa Clara. Both teams boasted strong records and an established rivalry heading into the game, making the matchup between the squads a highly anticipated battle of powerhouses.
Cal entered the game planning to start with strong offensive pressure. That game plan paid off when the Bears took the lead in the 25th minute. Sophomore forward Ifeoma Onumonu served a ball in to senior forward Rachel Mercik, who sent it past Bronco goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski and into the net. Mercik’s goal gave the Bears the lead heading into the half.
The lead stood through halftime and deep into the second half. As the half commenced, Cal did not let up, as Mercik fired a shot mere minutes after the whistle only to see it deflect off the goalpost, denying the Bears a cushion lead. Mercik and Onumonu were relentless up front, with each notching four shots. Santa Clara did not take the onslaught of Cal opportunities lying down, however, as the Broncos made it a proper shootout. In fact, Santa Clara outshot the Bears 27-14, with senior midfielder Julie Johnston and junior forward Sofia Huerta each piling up seven shots. Although the Broncos bested the Bears in total shots, Cal edged Santa Clara in accuracy, with seven of its 14 shots finding the goal frame, compared with 12 of Santa Clara’s 27 attempts.
The barrage kept both goalkeepers busy, as Tostanoski recorded six saves and Cal goalkeeper Emily Kruger recorded a career-high 11. The constant chances eventually paid off for the Broncos, as Kruger made a save only to have the deflection fall to Bronco senior forward Sarah Jackson. Jackson put the ball past Kruger for the equalizer.
The game remained tied 1-1 through the end of regulation, and overtime ensued. Neither team could score the game-winner in the next 20 minutes, causing the match to end in a tie after 110 minutes of play.
Though Cal had hoped for the win, the team succeeded in its goal of cementing itself as a legitimate force this season. Despite the respectable No. 12 ranking, the Bears remained relatively untested heading into the match. With a tie against another strong, ranked team, the Bears demonstrated they do belong among the elite squads competing this season.
This is the Bears’ second tie of the season, as they remain undefeated with yet another Bay Area battle looming on the horizon. Cal will face St. Mary’s on Sunday at 11 a.m. The game will be the Bears’ first home matchup of the season after a long stretch away from Edwards Stadium.