SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Following his first career hat trick, Santa Clara University senior forward Erik Hurtado was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com's National Team of the Week. Hurtado's three-goal effort on Sunday on 'Senior Day' at Buck Shaw Stadium allowed the Broncos a 3-1 victory over visiting Gonzaga.
Hurtado currently ranks No. 4 among all NCAA DI players in goals per game (0.93). He also comes in at No. 5 in total goals (14), points per game (2.13) and total points (32). His 14 goals this season puts him at No. 4 all-time in Santa Clara's single-season history.
He netted two exceptional goals in the first half Sunday against the Zags, then capped off the afternoon by converting a penalty kick in the closing moments. His unassisted effort in the 14th-minute moved him into No. 3 all-time at SCU in goals scored and his career total of 32 is the most by any Bronco player since 1979 when Scott Douglas finished his career with 40.
SCU has now won 8 of 10 games overall and its record at home against Gonzaga improved to 11-2-2 all-time.
Pictured to the right, Hurtado and his mother, Nicole, who was on hand for 'Senior Day,' celebrate his second goal Sunday at Buck Shaw Stadium.