San Diego State redshirt senior midfielder Cat Walker scored the equalizing goal in the 86^th minute, but the Aztecs ultimately fell in overtime to California on the road, 2-1, Sunday afternoon. The loss drops SDSU to 1-1, while the Golden Bears improve to an identical 1-1.

 

“We played well on the road and fought our way back in late,” SDSU head coach Mike Friesen said. “We had the momentum in the last 15 minutes and the beginning of overtime, but we fell to a very good Cal team who will finish in the top half of the Pac-12.

                                                   

“Even though we’re disappointed with the loss, we played well and it’s a great opening weekend for us. We are excited for what is to come this year.”

 

The aforementioned final 15 minutes of regulation resulted in many scoring opportunities, including Walker’s second goal of the season in just her second game since 2009 after missing the 2010 campaign with an ACL injury. The Aztecs controlled the tempo and found Walker found the back of the net when she put her shot up into the back right corner. Redshirt junior Tiffany Hurst picked up her first assist of the season on the play, which eventually pushed the contest in overtime. For Hurst, who redshirted in 2010, it was her first point since assisting on a goal on Oct. 8, 2009, vs. BYU.

 

In the extra frame, SDSU continued to build on its momentum gained in the waning minutes of the second half, but could not find the opening they needed. On the other side of the field, San Diego State was called for a foul, which resulted in a California corner kick. The sequence led to Katie Benz putting just enough on her shot that it slowly rolled across the goal line after bouncing around in the box to lift the Golden Bears to victory. Kate Bennett and Mekenna DeBack assisted on the 95^th-minute game-winner.

 

California’s Lauren Battung scored the game’s first goal in the 60^th minute to give the Golden Bears the early lead after an uneventful 59 minutes.

 

SDSU goalkeeper Rachel Boaz notched five saves, while her counterpart, Emily Kruger, was credited with one. Both keepers are 1-1 on the season.

 

The Aztecs are next in action on Friday, Aug. 26, when they play host to Minnesota at 4 p.m. PT at SDSU Sports Deck. A year ago, the Golden Gophers advanced to the Sweet 16 and finished No. 21 in the final NSCAA poll. Friday’s game, along with every home contest, is free.