University of Washington
California
No. 3 UW Earns Big Road Win Over No. 7 Cal, 3-2
November 09, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Stats
BERKELEY, Calif. – No. 3 Washington picked up a big conference road win, defeating No. 7 California, 3-2. The Dawgs (12-4-1, 5-3-1) remain in contention for the conference title with UCLA and Stanford going to the final games next weekend.
The Dawgs trail UCLA by one point in the conference standings and are one ahead of Stanford, but the Cardinal have one more game to play with a late kick on Sunday.
Washington earned the season sweep over California as Jamie Clark remains unbeaten against the Golden Bears since coming to Washington. Clark is now 6-0-2 against California as the Huskies head coach.
Washington got on the board in just the third minute when Mason Robertson scored his seventh of the season. Garret Jackson sent in a log diagonal ball that Robertson controlled on the left side, 25 yards from goal. Robertson made a quick turn and fired on goal, beating the Cal goalkeeper in the far corner.
The blast from Robertson was one of the best goals of the season for Washington and also gave the Huskies the spark they needed after being shutout for the first time all season on Friday. Robertson returned to his attacking position on Sunday after playing center back for the first time all season against Stanford. Jackson was credited with the assist as he re-entered the Washington lineup for the first time since being injured early in the year.
The Huskies kept up the pressure and added to their lead in the 21st minute. This time Robertson set up the goal, playing Josh Heard. Heard controlled the pass and used his dribble to split a pair of defenders and slide it past the Golden Bear goalkeeper. It was the seventh goal of the season for Heard, while Robertson picked up his second assist.
Washington made is 3-0 just two minutes later off a corner kick. Justin Schmidt sent in a dangerous inswinger that Cal was unable to fully clear. The ball bounced straight to Jackson who shot from the top of the six-yard box leaving the Cal goalkeeper with no chance. It was the first career goal for the promising Husky freshman.
Cal refused to go down easily, despite a three-goal deficit, however. In the 36th minute, Omid Jalali tapped in a rebound to make it 3-1. Husky goalkeeper Spencer Richey made a nice save on the initial effort, but the Golden Bears were there for the rebound.
The Huskies made the two-goal lead stand until the half as Richey made six saves in the period. The Husky goalkeeper would finish with 10 for the second-straight game and now has 58 for the season. Richey moved into second place on the UW all-time saves list in the process, now with 237 saves for his career.
After the break, both team kept up the pressure with end to end action. Robertson made it difficult on the Cal defense with his constant pressure going to goal. On the other end, Richey kept the margin comfortable until the 86th minute when Cal made it 3-2.
Stefano Bonomo made it a one-goal game, cleaning up a loose ball in front of goal. The Huskies were unable to clear a bouncing ball, leaving an easy finish for the Cal striker.
Fortunately, the goal came late enough that the Dawgs only needed survive a few more minutes to escape with the victory. Richey made one more big play to come off his line and intercept a pass to secure win number 14 for the Huskies.
The Dawgs will now return home to face Oregon State next Sunday at 1 p.m. for the season finale. Five Husky seniors will be honored as the Dawgs take on the Beavers at Husky Soccer Field that will be broadcast live on the Pac-12 Networks. Washington does not control its own destiny anymore, but could be playing for a Pac-12 title with a little help.
