SPOKANE, Wash. - Finding itself locked into another tight match was nothing new for Santa Clara University Friday in Spokane, but the result was different as Eric Masch - a local product from San Jose's Bellarmine Prep - collected a loose ball in front of the net and scored the golden goal to give the Broncos a 1-0 overtime victory over Gonzaga.
Santa Clara (4-9-3; 2-5-1 WCC) claims its first victory since they beat the Zags by the same score October 4th at Buck Shaw Stadium and its first win in six overtime matches of 2009.
"This was a good win for us because we played so well and were rewarded with a result," said Santa Clara Head Coach Cameron Rast. "We've been in so many close games and haven't been able to close the gap. Eric (Masch), who has been one of our most dangerous players, stepped up at the right moment."
With the game pushed into extra-time, the ball was thrown deep into Gonzaga's end, ricocheted off Masch who was then able to put a left foot on it and knock it inside the far post.
Gonzaga (5-7-3; 2-5-1 WCC) received nine shots from Tye Perdido and totaled 19 on the afternoon. Four were put on goal and saved by SCU keeper Naushad Godrej, who was exceptional in all 92-plus minutes.
"Any trip is a difficult trip in this league," said Rast. "But to get a result in the Northwest is really a confidence boost. It was a really solid team performance, possessing the ball, connecting, being patient."
A positive team win for Santa Clara who next plays at Portland Sunday, November 1st at 2 p.m.
