BERKELEY- The Golden Bears have kept the opening of the season on the pitch interesting to say the least.

California's 2-1 win Sunday against No. 24 Santa Clara not only keeps the Bears (2-0-0) undefeated after opening weekend, but as Cal Athletics' first team to compete for the 2017-18 academic year, has set a nice tone for the other programs starting their seasons soon.

As closely-contested as most Bears-Broncos battles have been, Sunday marked the seventh all-time contest between the programs decided by one goal or less.

This time, a clutch penalty kick from redshirt senior Kelly Fitzgerald in the 89' sent the Blue and Gold fans and bench into an uproar after Cal battled back from a lopsided first half.

"I saw a great deal of resilience from our team this weekend. We didn't really play our best brand of soccer until the second half against Santa Clara, yet we were able to come away with two victories," said Neil McGuire, who became the program's all-time win leader (125) on Friday with a 2-1 victory over UC Irvine. "Both UC Irvine and Santa Clara are great teams – disciplined, organized, and well-coached. And, for us to be able to come out with two victories is very satisfying."

It was another worthwhile performance from sophomore Abi Kim, who changed the momentum in the second half with an incredible equalizer assisted from junior Miranda Nild in the 80'. Nild found Kim in the box with a through ball and Kim slipped it underneath the diving keeper to secure her third goal of the season.
In comparison, Kim scored three goals total in 2016.

Cal heads across the bridge to compete against San Francisco on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. (PT).

To keep up with Cal women's soccer, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CalWSOC.