Women's Soccer Upsets BYU 2-1 in NCAA Third Round

Nov. 18, 2000

Box Score

PROVO, Utah - Senior forward Megan Horvath scored the game-winner in sudden-victory overtime to lead 24th-ranked Santa Clara in a 2-1 upset of eighth-ranked Brigham Young in NCAA third-round action this afternoon at South Field. Game-time temperature was 37 degrees under clear skies.

Horvath has recorded goals in the last four matches, three of which have been game-winners. Today's breakaway score came in 102nd minute of overtime.

Winners of five straight, Santa Clara improves to 16-6-1, while BYU's season ends at 19-4-1. The Broncos broke BYU's 14-match unbeaten streak this season, as well as its 20-match win streak at home, dating back to 1998. Additionally, the Broncos have eliminated the Cougars in the playoffs the last four straight seasons and lead the all-time series now 5-0-0.

Today's win also marked SCU's 20th in the postseason, as Santa Clara has advanced to the last 12 straight NCAA Tournaments. The Broncos, who have reached the semifinals seven times, including the last four straight, will face top-ranked Notre Dame in a quarterfinal match for a chance to return to the Women's College Cup. That match will take place in South Bend, Ind., on Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. Notre Dame is 22-0-1 on the season and the only team left undefeated. Santa Clara fell to the Fighting Irish 6-1 with a limited roster earlier this season in South Bend. The semifinals and Championship matches will be contested at San Jose State University, Friday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 3.

"Our goalkeeper made a couple of big saves for us in regulation," Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith said of senior Crystal Gordon. "I am very proud of the team. We played with a lot of heart and guts against a great team--probably the toughest team we have faced all year."

Brigham Young opened the match at the 4:47 mark when midfielder Sara Reading put a shot into the upper right corner of the goal on an assist from Natalyn Lewis. Santa Clara responded in the second half, when freshman defender Chardonnay Poole headed the ball into the net in the 56th minute off a cross from senior forward Heather Aldama.