Spencer Golanka

The Bears unsurprisingly stumbled through the first few steps, but found their footing after a challenging visit to Corvallis. Here’s how the historic, albeit mediocre, 2020-21 season unfolded.

Sometimes in life, it’s the journey that means more than what’s out of one's control. And regardless of the NCAA selection committee’s decision this morning, what Cal accomplished in a season unlike any other should be applauded.

The Bears’ tribulations, however, have girded Cal for Saturday’s battle at UCLA, its last game of the regular spring season. With a bid to the NCAA tournament within reach, the Bears have everything to play for.

Besides the missed chances and contentious decisions, the Bears performed excellently in defense and gave themselves every opportunity to win the match.

Now unbeaten in four straight matches, the Bears have a golden opportunity to avenge their early misfortunes and beat the No. 7 Huskies on their home turf for the second season in a row.

A reversal of the early season misfortunes has proven head coach Kevin Grimes’ philosophy to be true. The Bears are just a few steps away from becoming the team they set out to be during their abbreviated preseason.

The afternoon became a back-and-forth affair, with Cal delivering the knockout blow to a weakened San Diego State defense after the Aztecs picked up a red card in the 72nd minute.

The Bears are winless through three matches for the first time since the 2003-04 season and have failed to score in their last two games.

The Bears had success in weaving the ball through the resolute Huskies’ defense, but ultimately, attacking chances came sparingly.

Cal heads right back into battle Saturday against defending conference champion Washington, which since 2011 has racked up a 12-3-2 record over Cal.