Golden Goal Elevates St. Mary's Over Santa Clara

Golden Goal Elevates St. Mary's Over Santa Clara

Final Stats |  Action Photos 

MORAGA, Calif. - Erik Hurtado scored in the 86th minute to force overtime but St. Mary's College responded in extra time and the Gaels beat Santa Clara University 2-1 Sunday. It was the second match in three days between the two local rivals, with SMC claiming both by the narrowest of margins.

The Broncos (3-9-3; 1-5-1 WCC), who lost to SMC 1-0 Friday, has lost three-straight - all by one goal. Santa Clara has now played five overtime games this fall.

The Gaels continue their terrific start to the West Coast Conference season, improving to 9-2-3 overall and 5-1-1 within the league. Trevor Newquist twice headed-in place kicks from Dylan Leslie; the game-winner coming off a corner with 17 seconds remaining in overtime.

The game was scoreless at halftime and remained that way until Newquist scored in the 65th minute. SMC generated 17 shots - 13 more than the Gaels totaled Friday night at Buck Shaw.

Naushad Godrej, a senior from Los Altos Hills, made his second career start in goal for SCU. Santa Clara's regular keeper Larry Jackson was held out of the lineup due to injury.

Hurtado - one of the most dangerous young forwards in the WCC - connected with freshman classmate Jacob Rose for the tying goal, heading-in Rose's cross with four minutes left in regulation.

The Broncos put six shots on goal and totaled nine on the afternoon.

In the midst of playing six-of-seven WCC matches away from home, Santa Clara travels to play both Gonzaga and Portland next weekend. Gonzaga is up next with a 1 p.m. match scheduled in Spokane Friday, October 30.