SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Playing an exhibition game before the regular season kicks off, No. 16 Santa Clara women's soccer took down Sacramento State 4-1.
The game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first half but the Broncos scored three quick goals in the second half to put the game away. The offense was led by freshman Jordan Jesolva who scored two goals in the span of one minute.
The Broncos outshot the Hornets 26-9 and 13-1 in the second half. Andi Tostanoski had two saves in the first half while Molly Mettler picked up one save in the second half.
Santa Clara will start the regular season on Fri. Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. Pacific vs. defending national champion No. 1 North Carolina in the Klockner Classic hosted by the University of Virginia.
"We created some good chances early on and we didn't finish them which we were disappointed about," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. "As soon as we put in our substitutes the game just changed dramatically, the second group brought better energy."
With 8:15 left in the first half the Broncos netted their first goal of the night. Julie Johnston played a through ball across the top of the box in the path of Sofia Huerta's run. Huerta took a one time shot to the lower left corner to make the score 1-0.
With 33 seconds left in the first half, the Broncos let in an own goal after a Hornet forward battled through the Bronco defense.
The Broncos brought a new energy to the game around 10 minutes into the second half after they substituted all 10 of their starting players out.
"Those players in the second group are fighting to be in the first group and I think a few of them made some clear statements today," said Smith.
In her first minutes on the field, freshmen Jesolva ripped a shot 22 yards out to hit the upper right corner of the net.
Jesolva did it again just a minute later with another hard shot about 20 yards out to slide right in the lower left corner.
Julie Vass continued the scoring with another top of the box shot that blasted past the goalie's hands to make the score 4-1 with 25 minutes left in the game.
"Jordan Jesolva came in as a freshman in her first collegiate game, in mostly a defensive position, and scored two very impressive goals," said Smith. "I'm also very happy for Julie Vass who scored a terrific goal. All four goals were class goals and I'm happy for the team and the girls who scored today."
