Sept. 20, 2002
STANFORD, Calif. - In a rematch of the 2001 College Cup semifinal that favored the Broncos in overtime, 3-2, the rematch proved just as exciting, as Santa Clara University women's soccer team tied 16th-ranked Florida 2-2 after double overtime in the opening contest of the Stanford Nike Invitational, hosted at Maloney Field.
With the tie, the sixth-ranked Broncos move to 3-2-1 on the season, while the Gators' record is now 3-3-1. Tonight's contest also marks the fifth time in six matches that Santa Clara has faced nationally-ranked competition.
Host-and second-ranked-Stanford (4-0) will play Oklahoma (6-0) in the second match of the tournament.
It only took the Broncos three minutes to score in today's match. Senior midfielder Aly Wagner collected a loose ball off a Florida free kick in front of SCU's goal and passed it to sophomore Megan Kakadelas at midfield, who then raced the rest of the way to beat Gator keeper Jordan Kellgren low and to the right.
Florida's Dena Floyd scored the equalizer just two minutes later, getting past a leaping SCU netminder Alyssa Sobolik. Robin Fulton earned the assist for the Gators on the play.
The Bronco offense was not to be outdone, scoring again in the ninth minute. Wagner stole the ball just outside the box and took advantage of a Kellgren fumble for the 2-1 lead.
Although the rest of the half went by with no more scoring, both teams had strong opportunities, including a shot by Santa Clara sophomore Leslie Osborne in the 29th minute that hit off the left post.
Florida evened the game again, this time in the 60th minute. Fulton's shot went off Sobolik's fingertips into the waiting foot of Crystal Frimpong.
The Broncos got two shots off in the first overtime, but could not put away the game-winner. A shot in the final 10 seconds of the second overtime by freshman Micaela Esquivel wen just high as time expired.
The contest was physical throughout, as officials called 36 fouls, including 19 on Santa Clara.
The Broncos will close out a six-match road trip with a final contest at the Stanford Nike Invitational, taking on Oklahoma on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Maloney Field.