MORAGA, Calif. – Despite a stout defensive effort from Saint Mary's in the first half, two second-half goals from the Bears were enough to end the Gaels perfect start to the season.
 
DEFENSE VS DEFENSE
Similar to the first two games of the season, the Gaels started quickly, pressuring Cal and forcing them back into their half from the opening whistle. Saint Mary's managed to force a few early corners as well, but were unable to capitalize. Jessie Hawes and Lauren Hinton were two standouts in defense for the Gaels, blocking shot after shot and keeping the Bears away from Taylor Poland's goal. 
 
The first sight of goal in the game came for the Bears 10 minutes in, as a deflected shot ricocheted off of the right goalpost. Saint Mary's struggled to maintain possession as the first half went on, the Bears controlling the tempo of the game.
 
SLIM PICKINGS
Both teams struggled to create opportunities in the first half, but the Cal Bears dominated possession, making it difficult for Saint Mary's to venture forward. The game began to open up early in the second half, with Tessa Salvestrin forcing a save from the Bears keeper five minutes in. Cal began to test Taylor Poland more as the second half went on however, forcing the Gaels keeper to make a couple tense saves in the 60^th minute. 
 
BEARS FIND OPENER
After a lengthy spell of possession in the Gaels half, the Bears found the back of the net in the 67^th minute, as a cross from the left side of the field deflected off of Poland's gloves, before one of the Cal forwards tapped the ball home to make it 1-0.
 
The Gaels responded to the opener well, with Tessa Salvestrin once again in the middle of the action. Just five minutes after the goal, she received a pass from midfield and sprinted towards the Bears penalty box, before being forced wide by two Cal defenders before she could register her shot.
 
Unable to capitalize, the Bears took advantage, once again scoring on a deflection to make it 2-0. The ball was thrown into the Gaels penalty box before ricocheting off of a few defenders, eventually making it to Poland. Although she got her fingers on the shot, the ball was carrying too much momentum, and slowly rolled over the line before Poland could get back and force it out. 
 
The Gaels managed a few more opportunities late in the game, but none were substantial enough to trouble the Bears keeper. This marks the first Gaels defeat of the season after starting with two wins. 
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels hit the road for the first time this season as they play San Jose State this Sunday at 12 pm.