The No. 9 Santa Clara women's soccer team tied No. 23 Georgia, 1-1, today in the final day of the Stanford/Nike Classic at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium. It was another game filled with second-half scoring, as the Broncos went up first only to have a late goal spoil their chance at victory.
A flurry of offensive activity from both teams started the game, with one corner kick apiece and Santa Clara with five shots to the Lady Bulldogs' three in the first 20 minutes. Sophomore Lauren Matheson had one of the best chances, striking the post at 18:57.
The Broncos would go on to post their highest single-game shot total of the season against Georgia, firing off 29 shots in the game, including 11 at goalkeeper Ashley Baker. Baker saved 10.
The one that got past Baker came in the 63rd minute as junior Jenny LaPonte earned her first assist of the season, setting up senior Anessa Patton for the goal off the cross from the left flank. Patton had had two earlier chances in the half, one that went wide and another that was saved, but made good on her third attempt.
After the goal, Santa Clara rattled off seven consecutive shots before Georgia had another chance on Henninger. Henninger had six saves in regulation play before the Lady Bulldogs were finally able to get one into the goal courtesy of Jamie Pollock's header in the 81st minute.
The Broncos continued their barrage of shots in overtime, outshooting Georgia 6-3 during extra time (29-19 total), but couldn't find the back of the net, knotting the game at one each at the end of 120 minutes. Henninger finished with seven saves and senior Amanda Poach made her season-debut in the game.
The tie is Santa Clara's second this season, moving its record to 4-1-2. The Broncos return home next weekend to host the Santa Clara Classic and will take on Georgetown (currently No. 18) and Utah.
