Aug. 30, 2008
CHICAGO - The Santa Clara men's soccer team lost a hard-fought season-opener to Loyola University-Chicago on Saturday at Loyola Soccer Park. The final score of the match was 2-1, with junior Jeff Cosgriff netting the Broncos' lone goal.
Loyola created an early 1-0 lead when Michael Ferguson then scored for the Ramblers just two minutes later. His shot, at 4:20, was the completion of a corner kick by Keum Sung Kim.
The defense of both squads remained strong for much of the first half with Santa Clara making several attempts at tying the score. However, with 10 minutes remaining in the half, Loyola increased its lead to 2-0 as Alex Jones headed in the ball for his first goal of the season.
Kellen Wantulok tried to get the Broncos on the scoreboard before halftime but a Rambler defender blocked his attempt in the 42nd minute.
The Broncos put up a tough fight in the second half, with Cosgriff taking two shots on goal before finally scoring his first goal of the season. He cut the lead in half in the 78th minute with a header off a cross from freshman Brian Brungger.
SCU tried to send the game into overtime as Ogunbiyi took a shot in the 88th minute, but it floated wide. Santa Clara out-shot Loyola 16-14.
In goal, sophomore Kevin Klasila started the match for Santa Clara but sophomore Jeremy Del Re, who made his first-ever appearance as a Bronco, entered the game at 18:56. Del Re played the remainder of the game between the posts, making three saves and allowed one goal.
SCU returns to action on Monday, Sept. 1 against No. 16 UIC at Flames Field in Chicago. First kick is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.
