ASU Soccer: Sun Devils strike early, but can’t hold lead at Cal

The Arizona State Sun Devils (6-10-3, 0-8-2 Pac-12) headed to the Bay to face the California Golden Bears (13-3-3, 5-2-3 Pac-12). Still searching for their first conference win, the Sun Devils struck early, but were unable to keep the lead, falling to the Golden Bears 2-1.

The Sun Devils’ lone goal came in the first minute of play off a header from senior Christina Edwards with an assist from junior forward Olive Jones.

In the early minutes of the first half, the Sun Devils were maintaining good possession of the ball and putting pressure on the Golden Bears. ASU seemed as if they had this one under control.

But in the 42nd minute, Golden Bear Emma Westin put one in the back of the net, tying things up just before halftime. The Sun Devils outshot Cal 7-6 in the first 45 minutes.

Both teams came out strong in the second half, each fighting to get another point on the board. Arizona State goalkeeper Guilia Cascapera had some huge saves in the second half, which kept the Golden Bears from going ahead. She ended the day with five saves.

However, things turned sour for the Sun Devils’ in the 76th minute when a foul was called in the box, giving the Golden Bears a penalty kick. Cal’s Mia Corbin sealed the deal for Cal and put them up 2-1 with 14 minutes left.

The Sun Devils weren’t able to bounce back, giving Cal its 13th win of the season. They didn’t have any shots on goal in the second half, while their opponent had nine, ending with 15 total in the game.

ASU will play its final game of the season on Friday in Tucson against the Arizona Wildcats at 7:00 p.m.