BERKELEY, Calif. – Kicking off the 2018 schedule for all of Harvard Athletics, Harvard women's soccer (0-1) fell to California, 2-0, on Friday night at Edwards Stadium.

Senior Danielle Etzel and junior Kat Hess made two saves apiece after splitting time between the posts, while senior Leah Mohammadi forced the California (2-1) goalkeeper into her only save of the afternoon.

Cal got on the board first after a free kick goal, but Etzel turned aside a pair of first half shots to keep the Bears from extending their lead. Just over two minutes into the second half, Mohammadi lined up a shot to level the score, but Cal's Olivia Sekany made the stop. The Bears doubled its advantage in the 68th minute to provide the additional cushion.

Harvard Highlights

• Senior Danielle Etzel and junior Kat Hess made two saves each between the posts, playing 45 minutes each.
• The game marked the collegiate debut for Trinity Thomas, Taylor Nielsen, Jillian Wachira and Courtney Rabb.

Game Notes

•  Harvard dropped its first season-opener since 2016, when it fell to then No. 10 Connecticut.
•  The Crimson moves to 0-2 all-time against Cal.

What's Next?
Harvard concludes its west coast swing at San Francisco on Sunday, August 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the WCC Network.