jonathan estrada

This week, the Big Game won’t be happening on the football field but instead the fútbol field. Cal Men’s Soccer travels to Stanford to add another chapter to one of the oldest rivalries in sports.

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.

After a rough start, the Bears turned it on. Cal, which looked like the better team for the rest of the match, equalized in the 26th minute when Evan Davila’s bouncing shot found the back of the net.

Estrada’s goal was, in part, thanks to Cal’s understanding of UCLA’s style of play, which includes pressing and skipping lines when the Bruins’ defenders are under pressure.

Cal was uncharacteristically lethargic in the first period of play and ultimately could not recover, losing 2-1 on the road to Portland.

The Bears scored seven goals over the weekend, but were unlucky to leave Southern California with only a win and a tie against San Diego State and UCLA.

The Bears must get positive results during their road trips to UCLA and San Diego State if they are to stay competitive in the Pac-12.

Look behind the curtain and see how the Bears prepare ahead of Cal’s season defining clashes with Oregon State and No. 7 Washington.

They say that if you aim for the king, you best not miss. Last Friday, Cal hosted its rival, No. 2 Stanford, and miss they did.

Cal’s high-flying undefeated start to the season crashed back down to earth Sunday as the Bears were treated to a sobering 1-0 loss at the hands of Denver.