Santa Clara Wins on the Road, Beating Marquette 2-0

Hurtado, Erik
Hurtado, Erik

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Eric Masch and Brandon Zimmerman provided goals and goalkeeper Kevin Klasila posted his second shutout as Santa Clara University claimed a 2-0 road victory over Marquette University Sunday in Milwaukee.

It was an important win for Santa Clara (2-2) who earns a split at the Marquette Invitational, and after four consecutive road games now prepares to host Bay Area rival California in their home-opener Thursday.

Masch – a preseason All-West Coast Conference forward – found the net late in the first half when MU goalkeeper David Check came out of the box to deflect a cross, freeing up an angle for Masch who cleaned up the rebound.

SCU generated nine shots in the opening period, forcing Check to make two saves in the first five minutes. Nine different Broncos combined for 13 shots, eight on goal. Zimmerman's penalty kick goal midway through the second half extended the lead to 2-0.

"Very solid performance from our guys today," said Santa Clara head coach Cameron Rast, who is pleased with the progress his young group is making. "We got off to a great start and that set the tone, battling and putting on the pressure. Probably our best 90 minutes this year so far."

Klasila made six saves, four in the second half to deny Marquette (1-2-1) a chance at winning its own tournament. The Golden Eagles had defeated Florida Gulf Coast University 1-0 Friday.

"Kevin (Klasila) did a great job for us, as did Brandon Zimmerman," added Rast. "Zimmerman led us today because Mykell Bates was out with a concussion. Also, (Marquette) was forced to mark Erik Hurtado, who is so dangerous. So there were a lot of good things that came out of this trip and the way we played today."

A key regional match up with California awaits SCU Thursday night on the Broncos' home field at Buck Shaw Stadium. For tickets or more information call 408-554-4660.

Marquette Invitational Final Standings
1. Valparaiso – 4 pts
2. Santa Clara – 3 pts (+1 goal differential)
3. Marquette – 3 pts (-1 goal differential)
4. FGCU – 1 pt

All-Tournament Honors
Stefan Antonijevic (MVP) – Valpo
Chadd Sult – Valpo
Kevin Miller – Valpo
Ryan Schwarz - Valpo
Erik Hurtado – SCU
Brandon Zimmerman – SCU
Josey Portillo – FGCU
Matthew O'Shaughnessy – FGCU
Amilcar Herrera – MU
Calum Mallace – MU
Eric Pothast – MU