Oct. 3, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The fourth-ranked Santa Clara men's soccer team scored the game-winning goal in the final two minutes of action to record a 1-0 victory over San Francisco in its West Coast Conference home opener. With the victory, the Broncos improve to 9-1-0, while the Dons drop to 5-2-1 in 2004.
"Today's match is going to be a typical WCC Sunday battle in this new double round robin format," said head coach Cameron Rast. "Hopefully, it will make us tougher and improve the quality of soccer in our conference. I am happy that we could get a good result today against a very good San Francisco team after a tough match at Saint Mary's on Friday."
Hector Guzman scored his first goal as a Bronco with only 1:32 remaining in the match to provide the Bronco's game-winner. After a scramble in front of the net, Jeff Scott was able to get the ball to Guzman who placed the ball to the left of Don goalkeeper Mark Muleady. With Guzman's score, 11 different Broncos have found the back of the net this season.
The match was quite physical, as a total of seven yellows and one red card was issued in the contest. USF's Chris Schwarze was issued the red card in the 79th minute, giving SCU a one-man advantage for the remainder of the match.
The Bronco defense continued to impress with its sixth shutout of the season. SCU has allowed only one goal in the past five matches, while giving up only four in ten matches. Senior goalkeeper Kent Harkness tallied his fourth shutout on the season, while posting four saves.
Next weekend, the Broncos will start a five-match, four-week road swing in the Pacific Northwest. SCU will face Portland on Friday evening in a 7 p.m. match before traveling to Spokane, Wash. for a 2 p.m. contest on Sunday.
