Posted: Oct 07, 2018
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer conceded two goals in the final two minutes including the game-winner with just 29 seconds remaining in regulation to lose a 2-1 gut-wrencher to Loyola Marymount in the West Coast Conference opener on Sunday.
Santa Clara (4-6-1, 0-1 WCC) took an early 1-0 lead thanks to Andres Jimenez's goal in the 22nd minute as the score remained that way until LMU headed in a pair of goals.
"We have to take responsibility for this," said Broncos head coach Cam Rast. "We are two minutes away from getting the win and everything is all hands on deck, not giving them any good looks. But we conceded that as we were on our heels. We weren't on our front feet and that's our responsibility. We now have our backs against the wall playing at Pacific next and we are going to have to fight out of it."
In the 89th minute, Lions midfielder Antonio Porreco lofted a service inside the 18 from the left side over Broncos goalkeeper Henning Jolivet which CJ Neville headed in to knot the match up 1-1.
Just 22 seconds later, the Broncos had an opportunity to reclaim the lead when Julian Bravo slipped the ball past two LMU players including the goalkeeper, however, the ball did not have enough pace and was cleared by a Lion defender before the ball could cross the goal line.
The dagger came with 29 seconds remaining in the match. Santa Clara fouled on the left side of the 18 giving the Lions a free kick. Porreco delivered another service that Jack Sauls tracked and headed in past Jolivet for the game-winner.
VIDEO | Head coach Cam Rast discusses Sunday's heartbreaking 2-1 loss to @lmulionsMSOC in the @WCCsports opener. The Lions scored twice in the last 2 minutes. #SCUBroncos #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/XcQgiiDeze
— Santa Clara Men's Soccer (@SCUBroncoSoccer) October 7, 2018
NEXT UP:
Santa Clara travel to take on Pacific on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
NOTES:
• Jolivet recorded a season-high seven saves.
• Alejandro Perez made his first Bronco start playing all 90 minutes.
