The Californians were dreaming when they squared off with the Blue Devils this weekend in the Golden Gate Classic. But the California teams had a nightmarish weekend against the women's soccer team, which played its best soccer in recent weeks.
In knocking off San Francisco and California, Duke (7-5) captured the tournament title and some much needed confidence after faltering in recent weeks.
Friday night against lowly San Francisco, Duke sprinted to a fast start, scoring three goals in the first 28 minutes of play, en route to a 3-1 victory. Sherrill Kester added two scores, improving her season total to eight, while Susan Kraeger got the Blue Devils' momentum rolling with a goal of her own in the sixth minute.
Jodie Tanga provided San Francisco's lone point on the scoreboard in the 34th minute on what Duke coach Bill Hempen characterized as "a perfect free kick."
With their win Friday, the Blue Devils snapped a four game losing streak and entered yesterday's game with California (7-3-1) on a high note. What ensued was a game in which the defense dominated the course of play.
Cal outshot Duke 11-10, but in the 13th minute, Kraeger knocked in a long shot over the outstretched hands of California keeper Lee Ann Morton. The early goal proved to be enough for a Duke victory.
Morton is the Bears' emergency fourth-string goalkeeper and was only in the game because of injuries to two goalies and a red card issued in California's previous game to usual starter Maite Zabala.
"Though it wasn't what soccer purists would call a 'pretty game,'" Hempen said, "we managed to get this significant win."
The "K" combination of Kester and Kraeger gave their squad a much needed injection of offensive firepower. With four goals and one assist between the two of them this weekend, the duo almost single-handedly carried the Blue Devils' offensive load.
The Duke defense, which had been battered in recent contests, rose to the occasion and only allowed one goal in the tournament. Isis Dallis proved effective in net, recording three saves Sunday. Hempen suggested that this weekend the junior "improved her decision making abilities."
The Blue Devils' defensive prowess, or lack thereof, had contributed to Duke's recent drop in the national standings. With victories on the West Coast this weekend, Hempen hopes the team will gain some confidence that will act as a springboard for greater success in the ACC.
In reflecting upon his team's success over the weekend, Hempen jokingly suggested, "Maybe all we have to do is play all our games on the road."
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