SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Dominating the offensive attack for the majority of the 90 minutes, the Santa Clara men's soccer team fell to West Coast Conference opponent Gonzaga by a score of 2-1 on Friday night. The Broncos move to 4-5-3 while the Zags improve to 3-9 on the 2014 season.
"I think there were some really good moments for us tonight where we moved the ball and had good momentum," said Santa Clara head coach Cameron Rast. "It's that final moment that we are still looking for to be able to score goals and create chances. We had a couple of really good looks. The key for us is to score goals and find that spark."
The Broncos outshot the Zags 11-7, with Santa Clara tallying six shots to one in the second half. Cesar Rocha, Carlos Delgadillo and Ryan Masch put shots on frame while Gonzaga had three shots on goal. Goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh collected just one save over regulation. Gonzaga's goals came from Graison Le in the 19th minute and Lars Ludwigs in the 79th minute while Santa Clara's goal was deemed a team goal in the 59th minute.
"It's tough when you can't seem to catch the breaks and get the calls," said Rast. "But that's what champions have to deal with; they find ways to win. Right now that is our challenge, but we will keep working on it and bounce back quickly to face a good Portland team."
Against Gonzaga, the Broncos got a strong offensive start with a corner kick opportunity and two dangerous shot attempts from James Huffer in the wide midfield position.
Jared Hegardt put up a beautiful strike right outside the middle of the 18-yard box that hit the right post and bounced back into play in the 15th minute. From a foul by Gonzaga, the Broncos were able to take a free kick in that caused a scrum in front the goalkeeper, but was saved by Ben Willis in the end.
The first goal for Gonzaga came in the 19th minute off of a free kick outside the left side of the 18. The set play ball bounced off McIntosh and Le was able to collect the rebound and put it high in the back of the net. The assist was awarded to Jakob Grandlund.
The Broncos went into the half down 1-0.
After a quick regrouping at halftime, Santa Clara back out looking sharper then ever. In the 54th minute, Yoshi Chaffin crossed the ball to Delgadillo right in front of the keeper. Willis stole the ball right off of Delgadillo's foot to keep the score 1-0.
The Broncos could not catch a break in the 58th minute when Delgadillo hit the second post of the night after a great through pass from Masch.
Just one minute later, Santa Clara found its answer with a powerful cross by Delgadillo that resulted in an own goal by Gonzaga in the 59th minute. The cross came from the left side of the 6-yard box and the score was tied 1-1.
The Broncos kept up the attack with a beautiful run by Masch, who beat two Gonzaga players and attempted a shot in the middle of the box. Willis was able to collect his third save of the night. Chaffin, again, displayed great skill by beating a player but then could not find the back of the net.
To put the match away, Gonzaga fired back with a goal from Lars Ludwigs in the 79th minute. The shot from the 6-yard box was too much for McIntosh.
The Broncos have a quick turn around and face Portland on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. in Buck Shaw Stadium.
GAME NOTES: A total of four yellow card cautions were given.
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