Nov. 6, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The fifth-ranked Santa Clara University women's soccer team Pacific 3-1 this evening at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Broncos' record improves to 14-4-1, while the Tigers fall to 10-8-2.
"I didn't think we were sharp tonight," head coach Jerry Smith said. "We were lethargic in the first half. I wish that wasn't case, but often times you see that in a mid-week game against a non-conference opponent late in the season. Hopefully we can regroup for Saturday."
The Broncos controlled the game most of the first half, with multiple scoring opportunities, but it wasn't until the 30th minute that the team put a score on the board. Junior Tracy Hess scored her second goal on the season when she took a through ball and ran it half the length of the field, besting Tiger keeper Megan Pickering in a one-on-one situation into the right side of the net.
Santa Clara pushed the lead to two goals in the 53rd minute when sophomore Megan Kakadelas sent a cross to the far post, allowing junior Kristi Candau to one-touch it for her team-leading ninth goal of the season.
Pacific's first strong attempt came in the 64th minute, when Felicia Weiss' shot was just over of the crossbar.
Bronco freshman Micaela Esquivel scored her third tally of the season in the 78th minute as sophomore Leslie Osborne found her in the box for a nice tap in.
SCU goalkeeper Alyssa Sobolik earned her 10th win of the season tonight, but was denied the shutout in the 86th minute, when Gabby Olivares grabbed a through ball that Suzy Peterson sent behind the defense for a Pacific goal.
"I have to give UOP credit," Smith added. "I thought they played well. They were organized defensively, tight man-marking and never gave up, as evidence by their goal late in the game."
The game provided valuable minutes for every field player on the roster as Smith cleared the bench through second-half action.
The Broncos will end the regular and West Coast Conference seasons on Saturday night with a match against league opponent Gonzaga. The contest is slated to begin at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Broncos will honor its five seniors: Emma Borst, Cara Hanelin, Devvyn Hawkins, Erin Sharpe and Aly Wagner.