Posted: Oct 21, 2018
MORAGA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer kept Saint Mary's high-powered offense in check for the majority of the match but a Gaels free kick goal in the 97th minute proved to be the difference, losing 2-1 in overtime to the second ranked team in the nation on Sunday. For the Broncos, it was the fifth loss in seven overtime matches this season.
Saint Mary's (14-0, 3-0 WCC) came into the match outscoring its opponents 41-4 during its 13 match win streak, conceding goals in only two of its matches to ascend to the No. 2 ranking in the College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer polls.
The two teams played to a scoreless first half with the best scoring chance coming in the 25th minute for the Broncos (4-8-1, 0-3 WCC). Sam Agosti who entered as a substitute only minutes earlier dumped the ball from the left side to Javier Ruiz Duran whose left-footed shot inside the box was kick saved by Gaels goalkeeper Remi Prieur, rolling just to the right of the post.
The Gaels broke the scoreless deadlock in the 54th minute on a penalty kick goal by Stephen Dougherty.
The Broncos got the equalizer in the 72nd minutes on a header by Andres Jimenez. Alex Achramowicz used his speed and quickness on the right side, dumping the ball to Nate Shue who was cutting diagonally from left to right into the box. Shue then delivered a service in front of the net that Jimenez headed in.
Playing in its seventh overtime match of the season, the Gaels drew a penalty seven minutes in just outside the 18 on the right side. From there, Filippo Zattarin struck a free kick over Bronco goalkeeper Dakota Havlick's head, finding the left side netting for the game-winner.
NEXT UP:
Santa Clara hosts Gonzaga on Friday at 7 p.m. in the final home stand of the season.
NOTES:
• Santa Clara fell to 1-5-1 in overtime matches this season.
• The Broncos started an all freshmen backline of Alejandro Perez, Sakari Carter, Emil Christensen and Martin Aasen for the first time this season.
• Dakota Havlick started in net for the Broncos seeing his first action since Sept. 15.
Broncos Head Coach Cam Rast talks about the 2-1 overtime loss to No.2 @SMC_MSoccer on Sunday. #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/CFb1FSG307
— Santa Clara Men's Soccer (@SCUBroncoSoccer) October 21, 2018
