Santa Clara improves to 15-6-1, while California's season ends at 17-3-1. The Broncos, who have reached the semifinals seven times, including the last four straight, will play the winner of the Stanford/BYU game in third-round action on Saturday, Nov. 18.
"We put everything on the line today," head coach Jerry Smith said. "We were fortunate to play well and get this win today."
The loss marked California's first shut out of the season and first loss at home. The Bears had held 10 opponents this year to one goal at Edwards Stadium, until Santa Clara's two goals this afternoon.
Santa Clara scored its first goal in the 43rd minute when freshman forward Kristi Candau received a cross from the left side from junior midfielder Kerry Cathcart. Her volley deflected off a Cal defender into the far post.
The Broncos tallied an insurance goal in the 73rd minute when Candau crossed the ball from the right side to senior forward Megan Horvath, who redirected the ball into the net.
Quarterfinal matches will be played on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 24-26. The semifinals and Championship matches will be contested at San Jose State University, Friday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 3.
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Santa Clara 2, California 0
Team 1 2 Final
Santa Clara 1 1 2
California 0 0 0
Shots
Santa Clara 12
California 7
Goalie Saves
Gordon 2
Zapala 5
Goal Summary
SCU Kristi Candau (Kerry Cathcart) 42:12 SCU, 1-0
SCU Megan Horvath (Kristi Candau) 72:42 SCU, 2-0