BERKELEY – The No. 10 California women’s soccer team suffered its second straight loss for the first time this season falling to No. 3 Duke 2-1 Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Devils (11-1-0, 6-0-0), who were named the top team in the country in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week, came out firing in the first half taking 12 total shots, but could not break through. Cal goalkeeper Teagan Wy saved all five attempts that landed on frame. The Golden Bears (10-3-2, 3-2-1) broke the scoreless tie in the 39th minute as Velize King sprinted up the right touchline and played a beautiful ball into the box for fellow senior Karlie Lema. The ACC’s leading goal scorer collected the ball, turned and fired in her 14th goal of the season to give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Lema’s 14th of the year!#GoBears pic.twitter.com/taRTrwLIH3
— Cal Women’s Soccer (@CalWSoc) October 13, 2024
Lema, who is now tied for seventh on the program’s all-time scoring list with 29 career goals, is just one short of tying Brandi Chastain for the fourth-most goals in a single season. Her 34 points on the year are just two shy of tying Alex Morgan’s best single-season effort of 36.
Duke found the equalizer in the 71st minute off the head of Mia Minestrella before scoring the game winner in the 87th off the boot of Cameron Roller, who tapped in a rebound from a shot that was initially saved. It is the first time this season that the Bears have given up a lead in a loss and the second time this week that a late goal that was scored on a rebound has prevented them from coming away with points.
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