Oct. 30, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The 12th-ranked Santa Clara men's soccer team dropped a tough 1-0 match at the University of San Francisco on Friday night in front of 2,122 fans at a packed Negoesco Stadium. With the loss, Santa Clara falls to 11-4-0 on the season and 4-3-0 in West Coast Conference play.
"The difference in the game was a set piece off a long throw in early in the match," said head coach Cameron Rast. "San Francisco was opportunistic tonight, taking advantage of the early goal. We will be able to learn from this and get ready to play a very good Saint Mary's team on Sunday."
The Dons scored the match's only goal less than five minutes into the contest. Kevin Long collected a loose ball after a flip throw in from Jordan Keyes to provide the game-winner at the 4:19 mark.
Santa Clara would post its first scoring opportunity in the 36th minute as USF goalkeeper Geremy Uhl recorded his first save off a shot from senior forward Will Weatherly.
The Broncos would then post three shots in the second frame, including two on goal, to total four on the evening. Junior Kelechi Igwe had Santa Clara's last scoring threat with 17 seconds left as his left-footed shot from the top of the penalty box was scooped up by Uhl.
Senior goalkeeper Kent Harkness tied a season-high with five saves in the match. It ties his mark from September 10 when he tallied five saves at George Mason.
The contest proved to be a physical and emotional 90 minutes for both teams as a combined six yellow cards were issued and 33 fouls were called.
The Broncos will return to Buck Shaw Stadium for the first time since October 3 on Sunday when they host Saint Mary's in a WCC match-up. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Halloween night.
