Aug. 22, 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's soccer team began its 2002 season with a friendly scrimmage against UC Santa Cruz Thursday night in Buck Shaw Stadium.

The two programs took the opportunity to face another team that they would not see during the year in an effort to better prepare for the upcoming season. The official start of the season for Santa Clara will take place on Monday night, September 2nd when the Broncos host Notre Dame de Namur at 7:30 p.m. in Buck Shaw Stadium.

"Tonight was our first real time together as a team, and there is always something you look for when you play," said first-year head coach Cameron Rast. "Our goal tonight was to just play well as a team. We told the players before the game that attitude and competitiveness would be our biggest concern tonight and not the outcome. The results will not matter until September 2nd, but I think we took a step in the right direction tonight."

The first half started slow for the Broncos as they looked to find some sense of each other on the field. The game was only the fourth time that the players had played together as a team since final cuts were made on Monday afternoon.

The second half went more smoothly for Santa Clara, scoring two goals in the half, the second coming off a penalty re-start free kick from just outside the penalty box.

"Only having four training sessions coming into tonight we know that we have a great deal left to work on," said Rast. "We still have a lot to do in terms of team understanding and putting together combinations that we can play with so we can feel comfortable on the field."

The Broncos also played a little shorthanded on the evening as they were without all-West Coast Conference performers Ryan Cochrane and Steve Cronin who are currently with the U.S. U-19 team. Their return prior to the season opener will give the Broncos an added boost.

For a look at the 2002 roster, please click here. For a look at the 2002 schedule, please click here.