Oct. 19, 2008
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's soccer team (4-9-3 overall, 1-1-1 WCC) earned their first home win of the season over the University of San Francisco, 3-0. Junior tri-captain Katherine Reynolds scored two goals and notched an assist in the shutout. Reynolds, who moved into a wing midfield position from defender, gave Santa Clara a 1-0 lead in 16th minute off a penalty kick. Less than three minutes later, a firing Reynolds got a pass from Hayley Siegel in the center of the box that she shot to the far post past the Don's goal keeper Kelly Pohle.
Reynolds, who had four shots in the game, solidified the Broncos' first conference win, as she assisted Jenny LaPonte's goal in the 40th minute. LaPonte received a cross from Reynolds, and shot it into the far right post past a diving Don's keeper. Freshman LaPonte, who entered the game less than three minutes before, was able to get her second goal of the weekend. This is the second game this season that LaPonte has subbed in and scored less than five minutes after into getting in the game.
Senior goal keeper Meagan McCray orchestrated a strong backline for SCU. She had one save in the first half and stopped San Francisco's initial offensive attacks. In the second half, head coach Jerry Smith split time between senior Lisa Lahman and freshman Bianca Henninger in the box. The Bronco goalies collectively had three saves on eight total shots by USF.
Freshmen Kathleen Matthew and Lindsey Wicher each got the start at outside defender. They worked alongside center backs Dani Potts and fellow freshman Margueritte Aozasa. The Potts-Aozasa center defensive team worked to keep the Broncos' box protected and each had several sliding tackles to end San Francisco's runs towards the goal.
Midfielder Siegel, who assisted Reynolds' second goal, earned her first assist of the season. Siegel, who missed last season, earned her seventh start of the season and had one shot. Sophomore Lauren Anselmo earned her first start of the season and played in midfield for the full 90 minutes.
"It is always great to get a win and a shutout," said Smith. "We were able to get all our players in the game which is great and hopefully the win will pay dividends for us as we progress through the season."
Santa Clara will travel to Southern California on Friday, Oct. 24 to take on LMU at 3:30 p.m. in Los Angeles, followed by a trip to Malibu to take on the Waves of Pepperdine at 1 p.m.