SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Santa Clara women's soccer battled No. 23 Michigan to a 1-1 draw Friday afternoon at the Notre Dame Invitational.
The Broncos held a 1-0 lead in the first half but the Wolverines came out of the break and pressured the defense until they were able to score the equalizer. Both teams had chances for the winner but neither could convert.
Santa Clara (2-2-1) took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute on the first of Maria Sanchez's Bronco career. From 30 yards out, Sanchez rocketed a left-footed shot off the right post and into the back of the net.
In the 65th, Michigan (3-0-2) evened the score on a goal by Abby Kastroll from an assist by Sarah Stratigakis. Stratigakis played a long ball over the top of the defense and Kastroll ran on to it before taking a touch at the top of the box and finishing in the bottom left corner.
Courtney Ogren made her second consecutive start and collected three saves, including one in the 105th minute. Sarah Jackson picked up four saves for the Wolverines.
NOTES
- Santa Clara is now unbeaten in its last 17 overtime matches. During that stretch the Broncos are 10-0-7 with the last loss coming Aug. 24, 2014 vs. Cal 2-1.
- This was just the second meeting between the two programs. Santa Clara is now 1-0-1 vs. Michigan. The only other meeting was the 2002 national semifinals where the Broncos won 3-1 to advance to the College Cup.
- Santa Clara attempted 17 shots and put five on goal.
- The Broncos have played four-straight games (at Cal, at UCLA, Washington State, vs. Michigan) against BCS schools with two more (at Notre Dame, at USC) to come before ending the streak at Seattle (Sept. 11).
QUOTABLE
"Today was a battle of two top-25 caliber teams that were both trying to attack and both created a lot of chances in a wide-open game. Our depth really helped us today, especially later in the match and overtime when we created more chances. This was the type of game you play in the NCAA Tournament and that's why we schedule opponents like this. It was disappointing to give up the lead but we grew a lot and we'll learn from any mistakes."
Head coach Jerry Smith
UP NEXT
The Broncos take on host Notre Dame Sunday at 9 a.m. Pacific.
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Women's Soccer: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram