Duke Drops ACC Tournament Match, 2-0, to California

Wednesday, November 5

Durham, N.C.

7 p.m.

Duke University

8-3-6, 4-2-2

California

7-7-2, 2-5-1

California

Duke

Duke Drops ACC Tournament Match, 2-0, to California

11/5/2025 10:09:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke men's soccer fell, 2-0, to California in the first round of the 2025 ACC Tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Freeman Field at Koskinen Stadium. The Blue Devils (8-3-6) will next turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament selection show, held Monday, Nov. 17.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Duke applied early pressure, forcing two early saves by the California goalkeeper. The two teams traded possession in the midfield as the first half continued on, with neither team able to find dangerous scoring chances.
The visitors registered their first shot on goal in the 35th minute and scored the first goal of the match just over two minutes later, with the clock ticking under 10 minutes remaining until halftime.
Drew Kerr threatened early in the second half, with a strong left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box just missing the frame.
The Blue Devils withstood a flurry of corner kicks by California and nearly equalized off the foot of Jose Ortega, but his volley attempt sailed wide.
California was awarded a penalty kick in the 81st minute, and the Golden Bears converted from the spot to double their lead.
Duke went a man down after Ortega was shown a red card in the 83rd minute. The Golden Bears held strong on the defensive end, securing the 2-0 win.

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