.jpg?max_width=450)
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Coming off a stellar weekend in which it recorded two shutouts vs. Pac-12 teams the Santa Clara women's soccer team was dually honored Monday. The Broncos beat Washington State 1-0 and No. 17 Cal 3-0. For their efforts both Julie Johnston and Bianca Henninger garnered recognition for the team's play over the weekend.
Johnston was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week after scoring three goals to lead Santa Clara's offense over the weekend.
Sept. 23 Johnston scored the only goal in a 1-0 Santa Clara victory over Washington State. Her goal came in the 78th minute to break a scoreless tie.
Two days later, against No. 17 Cal, Johnston scored two goals for the second time this season (Aug. 28 at Cal Poly). After playing the first two games of the season as a midfielder she was moved to center back. The coaches decided to put her back at midfield to help spark the offense and their decision paid off.
"I am thrilled for Julie," said Bronco head coach Jerry Smith. "She scored two goals earlier in the season in a 3-0 win but shortly thereafter, for the betterment of the team, she moved to center back for four games. Since her move back to her more natural position of midfield she has showed how dominant she is by helping us to two wins while scoring three goals, including two game-winners against Pac-12 teams, one of which is ranked in the top-20."
Henninger was named TopDrawerSoccer.com's National Player of the Week. In addition, Henninger was also named to the Team of the Week for the two shutouts over the weekend.
Recognition is nothing new for Henninger who was named the 2010 U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year as well as being named a NSCAA/Subaru First-Team All-American. In 2011 Henninger is up for the M.A.C. Herman. Trophy, the highest individual honor in collegiate soccer, and the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award which recognizes the attributes of senior student-athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.
"I am so happy the team is finally scoring some goals and getting Bianca the wins she deserves. She has played so well and was incredible in the Washington State and Cal games," said Smith. "Moreover, this is taking place with several nagging injuries. To be named Player of the Week and named to the National Team of the Week while carrying these injuries says a lot about her character, determination and leadership, in addition to her ability."
Henninger and Johnston lead the Broncos as they return to the field at Buck Shaw Stadium on Thur., Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. against Nevada and again on Sun., Oct. 2 against San Diego State to wrap-up non-conference play.