Late Penalty Kick Sinks No. 24 Women's Soccer at Cal

Late Penalty Kick Sinks No. 24 Women's Soccer at Cal

BERKELEY, Calif. – Playing on the road for the first time this season, No. 24 Santa Clara women's soccer dropped a tight game at Cal 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Broncos jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half but the Bears scored two in the second, including one in the closing minutes to steal a victory.

Cal (2-0) was awarded a penalty shot after an attacker was taken down in the box in the 89th minute. Kelly Fitzgerald took the free kick and converted low and just inside the left post for the game-winner.

Santa Clara (1-1) got on the board first in then 31st minute with the second of the year from Maddy Gonzalez. Maria Sanchez centered a ball from the end line that Cal failed to clear and got deflected right to the foot of Gonzalez who finished the chance.

A bit or good fortune for Cal in in the 80th minute led to the equalizer. Abigail Kim sent a shot that was initially saved by Melissa Lowder but the ball got away and spun into the net.

Lowder finished the game with five saves.

NOTES
• This was the seventh match in a row between Santa Clara and Cal that was decided by one goal. In 2011, the Broncos won 3-0 at home.

• For the 52nd consecutive game, Santa Clara did not allow more than two goals.

• Bronco great Brandi Chastain played her first two collegiate seasons at Cal before transferring to Santa Clara.

QUOTABLE

WSOC | Check out head coach Jerry Smith's thoughts after a tough 2-1 loss at Cal. #StampedeTogether

A post shared by Santa Clara Broncos (@scubroncos) on Aug 20, 2017 at 3:11pm PDT



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The Broncos face their first top-10 opponent of the year when they play at No. 9 UCLA on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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