University of Washington
6-4-5, 2-2-2Pac-12
California
8-5-2, 3-3-2Pac-12
Cal Tops Washington Against The Run Of Play
October 31, 2015 | Men's Soccer
SEATTLE -- It was one of the best performances of the season for Washington (6-4-5, 2-2-2 Pac-12), but a late California (8-5-2, 3-3-2 Pac-12) goal against the run of play left the Huskies with a frustrating loss.
"I thought it was the best we have played," said head coach Jamie Clark. "As it came down to the wire there was only one team that was looking to attack. As it turns out, they get one in transition."
The Cal goal came in the 88th minute when a Husky turnover in the attacking half led to a Cal counter-attack. Christian Thierjung finished from the left side just a few yards from goal for the game's only score.
The goal left the Huskies deflated after they dominated possesion throughout the game and had a number of chances, but no goals.
Even after the late Cal goal, the Dawgs nearly equalized in the final seconds. A long throw from Justin Fiddes was sent into the middle of the box where Michael Gallagher flicked it to the back post. There waiting was Ian Lange and his header was on target, but the Cal goalkeeper made a brilliant save to bat the ball wide.
It was the last in a long line of frustrating chances as the Huskies were unable to find a goal.
In the first half, the Dawgs twice had good buildup on the right side, but Josh Heard's crosses went through the box just out of the reach of a sliding Scott Menzies. Quentin Pearson also nearly scored on a corner kick, but his header went just over the bar.
The best chance of the half may have been from Henry Wingo, however, as his blast was on target and the Cal goalkeeper was unable to contro the shot. Lange was there for the rebound, but was upended by the goalkeeper with no foul called.
After the break, the Huskies continued to press forward as Kyle Coffee was dangerous creating chances. The redshirt freshman had a volley off a cross that went just over the bar and then a blast from outside the box that was saved. In all, Coffee had six shots and three on target, but no goals to show for it.
"It's tough, I wish we had just a little more urgency in front of goal," said Clark. "I want us to make them make saves. That is the only piece that I want."
Ryan Herman was not tested often, making four saves, as nearly all of Cal's offense came on the counter-attack.
"I am proud of our effort, but it's really difficult to end up on the wrong side of a result that you feel like you deserve," said Clark.
The loss set up a pivotal second game of the weekend for the Huskies as they host Stanford on Monday night at 7 p.m. on the Pac-12 Networks. The Cardinal are ranked No. 4 in the country and top of the Pac-12 table, meaning a win by Washington would help immensely in their run towards postseason.
Team Stats
Thierjung, Christian
GOAL by CAL Thierjung, Christian (FIRST GOAL).
87:10
