The University of California, Berkeley, California Golden Bears mens soccer team enters the week of September 14 with a 2-1-3 record, preparing for matches at San Francisco on September 16 and at home against Pittsburgh on September 20. The Bears have demonstrated a strong defensive presence so far this season.
Goalkeeper Adam Salama has been integral to Cals success, recording all three of the teams clean sheets in six matches. His shutout total places him tied for 10th nationally, as Cal has shut out half of its opponents. Offensively, sophomore Callen Lewis leads the team in shots and shots on goal, boasting a 0.769 shot accuracy that ranks third in the country and first in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Midfielder Junhwan Park tops the team with two goals and four points, including Cals first ACC goal of the 2026 season. Defensively, junior Beau Morrison recently earned the conferences first ACC Defensive Player of the Week honor for his contributions such as a pivotal goal-line clearance against No. 6 Portland.
Now in its third season in the ACC, Cal aims to advance beyond its previous two conference tournament semifinal appearances. The Bears seek to build on last years 8-8-2 overall record and maintain their momentum through this challenging week of play.
CSB Take
Adam Salamas consistent goalkeeping forms the backbone of California Golden Bears mens soccer defense early in the 2026 campaign, showcasing the teams defensive strength in the highly competitive ACC. The balance between Salamas shutdown efforts and the offensive precision of players like Callen Lewis and Junhwan Park positions Cal to challenge for higher conference standings. As the Bears face pivotal matches this week, sustaining this form could propel them beyond prior tournament semifinal runs and elevate their stature within the league.
Source: Original report
