DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - Alfredo Ortiz needed just 36 minutes to write the story of California's upset victory over Duke, slotting home the opening goal in a dominant performance that left the Blue Devils searching for answers in a 2-0 defeat.
The early breakthrough set the tactical framework for the remainder of the match. Duke's goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 24th minute to deny Luka Lukic, but California's sustained pressure eventually broke through. The Golden Bears outshot Duke 5-3 in the first half, with Ortiz's clinical finish proving the difference at the interval.
California's tactical approach centered on aggressive wing play, with both fullbacks pushing high to create width and deliver dangerous crosses. In the 31st minute, a perfectly weighted ball from the left flank found Lukic, whose header drifted just wide of the far post. The Blue Devils struggled to contain the attacking threat, managing just three attempts in the opening 45 minutes with none troubling the California goalkeeper.
Set pieces provided additional danger for the visitors. Carlos Ramirez delivered a dangerous corner kick in the 42nd minute that Lukic headed narrowly wide, maintaining the one-goal margin at halftime.
California's control continued after the break, and Lukic finally added the insurance goal in the 80th minute. His composed finish from a tight angle effectively ended any hopes of a Duke comeback. The Blue Devils pushed forward desperately but failed to register a single shot on target across the full 90 minutes, a damning statistic that highlighted their offensive struggles.
The Golden Bears finished with a 14-10 advantage in total shots and a decisive 3-0 edge in shots on target. California also won the set-piece battle, earning six corner kicks to Duke's three and creating multiple scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations.
The victory represents California's second straight win and improves their record to 7-7-2 overall. For Duke, the loss extends their winless streak to two matches and drops their record to 8-3-6. The Blue Devils will look to regroup, while California turns its attention to #13 Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship.
KEY PLAYERS
Alfredo Ortiz (California) – Opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the 36th minute, setting the tone for the upset victory.
Luka Lukic (California) – Sealed the win with a composed goal in the 80th minute and consistently threatened Duke's defense throughout the match.
Brian Thompson (California) – Anchored the defensive effort, helping secure the clean sheet against limited Duke pressure.
Jake McDonald (Duke) – Made several important saves, including a crucial stop in the 24th minute, but couldn't prevent the defeat.