Cal women’s soccer broke even in its last pair of games, but the team is aiming for perfection in Washington. Even after faltering slightly last weekend, the Bears can boast a better record than most, standing at the No. 4 spot in Pac-12 through four games.

Cal goes on to face Washington in Seattle on Sunday at 2 p.m.. The blue and gold were originally scheduled to face Washington State as well, but that game has been canceled as a result of COVID-19 complications on the Cougars’ side.

This isn’t the first time that Washington State has had to cancel a game this season; matches at Arizona and Arizona State were canceled due to the Cougars lacking the required number of athletes for competition on account of COVID-19 procedures.

Thus, instead of facing Washington State and then Washington, the Bears will just be facing the Huskies. This will be no small task though, even after a week of rest. Washington is undefeated and incredibly well-balanced, boasting an equally strong defensive and offensive line. The Huskies stand at 4-0-2 so far this season, recently breaking even with Arizona State in a 1-1 game. Washington forward Ruby Hellstrom is the player to look out for, as she’s notched at least one goal or assist in four games so far this season.

To come out on top against Washington, Cal will be extremely reliant on its defense, which has been excellent in this season. Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson and the rest of the defensive line will have to be airtight to combat the Huskies.

On offense, Cal forwards Emma Westin and Amaya Gray must be ready to scale the field all the way to Washington goalkeeper Olivia Sekany’s corner. Sekany, who was recently named Pac-12 Keeper of the Week, impressively achieved a shutout against Arizona. The Huskies have only allowed two goals in the first six games they have played this season, further proving the need for the Bears’ offensive line to step up and step out against Washington.

The Bears have the ability to come out on top if they focus on strengthening their offensive line and fortifying their defensive formation. If Cal manages to win against Washington, the blue and gold will have a case for being one of the best teams in Pac-12.

“Our team continues to impress in terms how hard they work for one another,” said head coach Neil McGuire.

To beat Washington will require effort and selflessness similar to what McGuire has observed so far in the season. With those ingredients, Cal has a fighting chance against a Pac-12 juggernaut.