San Jose Earthquakes defeat FC Dallas 4-2

After the Cal game, I transmitted my photos really quick, ran to the parking lot, and drove down to Buck Shaw Stadium, making it just in time for the second half Quakes vs FC Dallas. Big thanks to Junsan Chan of the Quakes who came out and met me with a pass even though it was after media will call was closed. So nice to be friends with those who issue credentials!

Quakes were up 4-1 at the half. Unfortunately they didn't score another goal, or get Chris Wondowloski that second goal he needed to be the Golden Boot Winner for the second year in a row. But he appreciated the players who were trying to feed him the ball. Thumbs up!

But fortunately they still won the game 4-2! Though just the fifth win at home, it was the sixth consecutive sell out crowd.

Being tuckered out from the day, I thought about just heading up to the press box to edit post game, figuring I had covered the players high fiving the fans so many games before, it would be unnecessary overkill. But then I figured, I'm already here, final game of the season, gotta give it my all. But instead of getting the same shot I always do, I got really low below a section of fans and shot up at the players. Ended up really liking this new perspective.

Rafael Baca came over, and fans asked for his shoe.

He obliged.

Then they asked for another shoe. He obliged.

Then, jokingly, he started taking off his shorts... but you don't get a picture of that ;-)

Cal Football defeats Utah 34-10

Headed over to AT&T Park for Cal Football vs the Utah Utes.

Cal did not give a very warm welcome to their new Pac-12 opponent, defeating them 34-10.

Shooting for US Presswire, I have to transmit images of both the head coaches, something I didn't have to do when working with GBS, obviously Cal doesn't need photos of the opposing head coach. At first this seems like an impossible task because the coach is always in the mix along the sideline and it's tough to find a decent isolated photo of them.

But as I alter my shooting style from "for Cal" to the needs of US Presswire and clients, I find I'm getting better images of Tedford than I ever made with GBS =)

Granted the images are always better when there are great things that happen in front of you as Keenan Allen leaps over Mo Lee. Too bad I couldn't get "Mo" of these kinds of shots ;-)

Zach Maynard did a great job protecting the ball.

Jon Hays, wasn't quite as lucky. With unlimited pressure from Cal causing a number of interceptions.

That Cal was able to capitalize on.

Utah tried changing quarterbacks to Adam Shulz. But eventually went back to Hays.

Though Utah did find success when their punter, Sean Sellwood, faked and threw to their nose tackle Star Lotuleilei.

They reached the first down, but you're not going to see a 325lb man run much farther than that!

US Women's National Team soccer player and Cal alumnus, Alex Morgan, was on hand to cheer on her bears. Great to see Cal Bears doing big things and returning to show their pride in being a Cal Alum!

Was also great to run into the beautiful ladies and sports reporters, Francesca Weems and Chelsea Brown. We got together for a "girl power" picture for Chelsea Facebook Page. It's great to be friends with other young women in sports! Even if they are both younger than me and I'm getting older every day...and more specifically next Monday =)