Kevin Grimes

Cal men’s soccer left the pitch frustrated after a tie against UCSB and a loss against Saint Mary’s.

Cal men’s soccer is set to return to the field after months of anticipation and face off against UCSB and Saint Mary’s.

The Bears will look forward to seeing familiar faces back in the stands at Edwards Stadium tomorrow after what has been a tumultuous year.

The Bears unsurprisingly stumbled through the first few steps, but found their footing after a challenging visit to Corvallis. Here’s how the historic, albeit mediocre, 2020-21 season unfolded.

Sometimes in life, it’s the journey that means more than what’s out of one's control. And regardless of the NCAA selection committee’s decision this morning, what Cal accomplished in a season unlike any other should be applauded.

The Bears’ tribulations, however, have girded Cal for Saturday’s battle at UCLA, its last game of the regular spring season. With a bid to the NCAA tournament within reach, the Bears have everything to play for.

After a rough start, the Bears turned it on. Cal, which looked like the better team for the rest of the match, equalized in the 26th minute when Evan Davila’s bouncing shot found the back of the net.

If Cal can beat San Diego State and UCLA in consecutive weeks to secure at least a fourth-place finish, it may get to fly out to North Carolina to join the 36-team NCAA tournament field.

Besides the missed chances and contentious decisions, the Bears performed excellently in defense and gave themselves every opportunity to win the match.

Now unbeaten in four straight matches, the Bears have a golden opportunity to avenge their early misfortunes and beat the No. 7 Huskies on their home turf for the second season in a row.