SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The No. 9 Santa Clara women's soccer team (12-3-1) continues its undefeated conference streak with a 2-0 victory over LMU (3-15-0). The Broncos are now 6-0-0 in WCC play and the Lions hold a record of 0-7-0.
The Broncos outshot the Lions 35-6 and shots on goal 19-2. Bronco freshman Jordan Jesolva knocked in the first goal for Santa Clara in the 23rd min. and junior Sofia Huerta secured the win with a last minute goal just before the final whistle.
"I thought our energy in the first half was a little lethargic but we were still able to create a number of chances," said Bronco head coach Jerry Smith. "A good thing for us was we were able to get two goals which is always something we aim to achieve each game. A shutout is a positive that we are very happy about and we came out of the game with no injuries."
The women will play host to the Pepperdine Waves (9-6-2, 4-3-0 WCC) on Sun., Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. Before the match the team will honor its nine seniors in their final home match as a Bronco.
"We are excited for Sunday," continued Smith. "Senior day is always an important day for us and an opportunity for us and our fans to acknowledge our seniors and their contributions to our program for the past four or five seasons. We have a great group of seniors and each one of them in their own special way have contributed to this program."
The team will also be adding a banner of Mandy Clemens to hang in Buck Shaw stadium for the women's soccer games to hang along side Brandi Chastain's, Ally Wagner's, Leslie Osborne's and Danielle Slaton's banners. Clemens holds the programs' all-time goals and assists record and gained All-American honors during her time at Santa Clara.
In the 18th min., Santa Clara's Morgan Marlborough broke free in the Lions' box for a shot that was blocked by LMU's goalkeeper Brittany Jagger.
In the 23rd min., Santa Clara's Jesolva took advantage of the space the Lions' defense gave her around the top of the box hitting a low hard shot to the bottom right-hand corner of the net giving the Broncos a 1-0 lead.
The Bronco attack kept the Lions defense on their toes until the last few seconds of the half where Santa Clara's Huerta received the ball in front the Lions' net for a shot hit wide. Heading into halftime the Broncos lead the Lions in shots 17-4.
In the 51st min of the match, Santa Clara's Allie Vernon created a dangerous opportunity for the Broncos dribbling the ball up from the center back position for a shot on frame.
A close-range shot by LMU's forward Megan Gallagher almost tied the game up in the 71st min. but Bronco goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski was quick to react for her second save of the night.
With less than a minute remaining in match, Jesolva played a long through ball to Huerta past the LMU defense for a one vs. one breakaway with the Lions' goalkeeper to slot the ball into the corner of the net. The Broncos claimed the victory with a final score of 2-0.
Game Notes: Attendance was 795.