Nov. 1, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The 12th-ranked Santa Clara men's soccer team returned to Buck Shaw Stadium for the first time in 27 days to post a 2-1 victory over West Coast Conference rival Saint Mary's in front of 544 fans on Halloween night. With the win, SCU improves to 12-4-0 overall and 5-3-0 in conference action.
"It is good to be home," said head coach Cameron Rast. "It is nice to be back here where the players are comfortable and confident. We played well tonight, but still had some mental lapses. We still have work to do to put together a solid 90 minutes in the future."
The Broncos didn't waste any time to take the lead as Ryan Purtell gave SCU a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Medhi Ballouchy's corner kick sailed to the far post as Purtell put a head on the ball, pushing it past Gael goalkeeper Brian Mason. The goal was Purtell's second on the season, while Ballouchy added his team-leading seventh assist.
Peter Lowry would add what proved to be the game-winner to the Broncos' tally at the 21:36 mark. Forward Will Weatherly streaked down the left side of the field before crossing to Lowry on the far side, as the freshman scored from inside the penalty box. Lowry's goal was his team-high fourth on the season, as each goal he has scored has been a SCU game-winner.
The Gael's, who had a goal waved off in the 20th minute after being called offsides, would find the back of the net in the second half. Anthony Butler reduced the Bronco lead to one goal as he scored into an empty net in the 59th minute.
The match would remain tight throughout the rest of the contest as physical play dominate the period. Five yellow cards and a red card, to SMC midfielder Adam Zielske, were issued in the contest and 34 fouls were called between the teams.
Santa Clara will remain at home for the next two weeks, closing out the regular season. On Friday night, the Broncos will host Gonzaga in a 7:00 p.m. match, before facing Portland on Sunday at 2
