SANTA CLARA, Calif. –After a strong performance in its exhibition match, No. 21 Santa Clara women's soccer kicks-off the 2016 regular season against a ranked Pac-12 opponent. The Broncos face No. 11 USC Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Stevens Stadium in the season-opener.

The Broncos got a tune-up for the regular season with a 4-0 win over Seattle on Aug. 11. They were able to get nine players their first action with the team and showcased the depth they have this year. Santa Clara outshot the Redhawks 21-6 and held a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal.

THE BRONCOS
A year ago, Julie Vass led the team with eight goals and 17 points en route to being named First Team All-West Region and First Team All-WCC. Santa Clara also returns All-WCC second team selection Kellie Peay and All-WCC freshman team picks Janae Gonzalez and Jazmin Jackmon.

Santa Clara got goals from Gudrun Arnardottir, Katie Pingel, Machaela George, and Duffy Moyer in its exhibition. All four players were making their Bronco debuts.

The Broncos face a big change in net after losing All-WCC honorable mention goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski. The goalkeeping corps will consist of two freshmen and sophomore Melissa Lowder who played a total of 75 minutes in 2015.

Lowder played 70 of the 110 exhibition minutes against Seattle and picked up three saves. Courtney Ogren finished the final 40-minute period and picked up one save.

THE TROJANS
USC finished last season 15-6-2, including 9-2-0 in the Pac-12. The Trojans made it to the Sweet 16 before falling to Virginia 2-0. They outscored opponents 36-16 on the year.

Morgan Andrews led the team in goals a year ago with 12 and added four assists for a team-leading 28 points. The Trojans also return Kayla Mills and Mandy Freeman who tied for the team lead with six assists each.

Sammy Prudhomme started all 23 games in net and played all but five minutes. She allowed 16 goals for a 0.68 GAA and collected 69 saves for a .812 save percentage. Prudhomme also had 11 shutouts.

Tickets: Season or single-game tickets are available. Click here to purchase online or contact the ticket office weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (408) 554-4660 or BroncoTickets@scu.edu. Group discounts are also available through our ticket office sales and service consultants. Gates to Stevens Stadium, as well as its ticket office, are open one hour prior to the start of the match.

Parking: For weekday matches, the Leavey Center lot, located on Accolti Way off El Camino Real, is free beginning one hour prior to kickoff. Any other parking facility on campus will be subject to normal daily rates or restrictions, including the main structure, located adjacent to Stevens Stadium on Palm Drive. During the weekend, campus parking facilities are free (except for permit required locations). Click here for a campus map and parking restrictions.

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