Sept. 12, 2004
FAIRFAX, Virg. - The fifth-ranked Santa Clara University men's soccer team scored twice in the final nine minutes of its match against Loyola College to claim a 2-1 victory over the Greyhounds at the George Mason/Comfort Inn Classic in Fairfax, Va. With the win, the Broncos improve to 4-0-0 on the season, while Loyola dropped to 2-2-0.
With a 2-0 record in the tournament, Santa Clara won its second tournament title in as many weeks after claiming the diadora Classic crown last weekend. Midfielder Medhi Ballouchy was named the the GM/Comfort Inn Classic Offensive MVP after picking up MVP honors at the diadora Classic. Jason Pan, Ryan Purtell and Will Weatherly also joined Ballouchy on the All-GMU/Comfort Inn Classic Team.
A hard-fought defensive battle dominated the first 77 minutes of the contest before Loyola was able to score the first goal of the match. Senior Jay Joyce was able to convert on a cross from Chase Franklin to give the Greyhounds the lead with less than 12 minutes remaining. The goal from Joyce marked the first time this season the Broncos had trailed their opponent.
The Loyola advantage would not last long as senior defender Pan evened the score only four minutes later. The Milwaukee, Wis. native recorded his first goal of the season on a loose ball from 18 yards out. With less than nine minutes remaining, the teams were tied at 1-1.
With 4:38 left in the contest, junior midfielder Jeff Scott scored the game-winner for the Broncos from the same spot as Pan scored his goal less than five minutes earlier. Scott's goal was his first of the season in only his second appearance this year. Ballouchy assisted on the score.
Despite trailing at one point, Santa Clara dominated the offensive opportunities with 16 shots to Loyola's two. The Broncos also took five corner kicks, while allowing only two.
The Broncos open their home schedule Sept. 16 in the annual adidas Classic. San Francisco plays Davidson in the first match at 5 p.m., while Santa Clara hosts neighboring San Jose State in the annual Rivalry Series match at 7:30. The event is also Santa Clara Community Day, presented by the Bank of Santa Clara with all residents of Santa Clara receiving discount admission to both games. Call 408/554-4660 for tickets.
2004 Mason/Comfort Inn Classic All-Tournament Team
Alan Brown, D, Robert Morris
Joe Di Buono, MF, Robert Morris
David Quinn, MF, Mason
Anthony Noreiga, D, Mason
Greg Peters, GK, Loyola
Ray Hassett, F, Loyola
Chase Franklin, D, Loyola
Medhi Ballouchy, MF, Santa Clara
Jason Pan, D, Santa Clara
Ryan Purtell, D, Santa Clara
Will Weatherly, F, Santa Clara
Defensive MVP: Anthony Noreiga, Mason
Offensive MVP: Medhi Ballouchy, Santa Clara
Tournament Champions: Santa Clara
