Oct. 23, 2009
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - St. Mary's College improved to 8-2-3 and 4-1-1 against the West Coast Conference after stopping Santa Clara University 1-0 Friday night at Buck Shaw Stadium. Ten minutes into the contest, a set piece on a corner kick generated the game's lone goal, a header by Tom Mohoric.
A late red card allowed Santa Clara an advantage, but the Broncos were unable to punch-in an equalizer. SCU is now 3-8-3 and 1-4-1 in the WCC. The Broncos and Gaels will play again Sunday afternoon in Moraga.
"St. Mary's defends really well this year," said Santa Clara head coach and former U.S. Olympic Team captain Cameron Rast. "You can't get through them easily. Breaking them down and getting something special is what you need."
Mohoric's goal off a corner kick at the 12:13 mark proved to be the decider. SMC keeper Doug Herrick saved three shots on a night when neither team totaled more than four. In fact, the shot totals in the second half were at just one apiece on both sides.
"I think we did a great job of moving the ball tonight," said Rast. "However, we weren't necessarily dangerous or creative enough in our attacking third. Takahide Kameya did a very good job of breaking in a couple times; unfortunately that final pass keeps missing."
Santa Clara was looking for the right bounce after Justin Grinder was red-carded in the 81st minute. St. Mary's defense held strong however and the Gaels picked up the road win. The long-time rivals will do it again Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
