Cal, Stanford Playing Charity Soccer Game Saturday for San Ramon Girl with Cancer

The University of California and Stanford are heated rivals in women's soccer, but later this month the two teams will come together in San Ramon for a cause more important than wins or losses.

The two elite women's soccer college programs will play an exhibition game at Dougherty Valley High on April 21 at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the game will go to the family of 10-year-old Brianne “Breezy” Bochenek and other children who have been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Bochenek, who was a competitive soccer player, was diagnosed with the cancer last fall and has since aggressively fought the cancer, with chemotherapy and support from family and the San Ramon community. In January, Bochenek had her left leg amputated.

"Well, I chose (the amputation) for a couple reasons," said Bochenek in short video documentary made by her older sister Britney. "I'm really athletic and I think (a prosthetic leg) gives me the most athletic abilities to run and hopefully play soccer, because I'm going to try. It's the best one out my options to get rid of the cancer, so it doesn't come back and it's the only one I would have wanted out my other options."

The event on April 21 starts with carnival-type games hosted by local soccer clubs at 2 p.m. There will also be a few on-the-field games, like a speed shot, beat the keeper and juggling. 

Then there will be an Olympic-style parade at 3:30 p.m. with local soccer clubs. Bochenek will lead the parade.

The opening ceremonies will be at 4:30 p.m., conducted by Mayor Bill Clarkson and the match will begin at 5 p.m.