SANTA CLARA, Calif. – After a wait of nearly six months, and a postponement of the first scheduled game of the season, Santa Clara women's soccer opens its delayed 2020 season Saturday against rival Portland at home.

The Broncos finished the 2019 season ranked No. 14 in the country after posting a record of 15-6-2. They made their 28th trip to the NCAA Tournament, including fifth in a row and 10th in the last 11 years, and advanced to the third round.

Due to current guidelines in Santa Clara County, spectators will not be permitted inside the Stevens Stadium. In addition, only essential personnel is allowed on campus. The general public is allowed only to 'pass through' campus, such as on a walk, but no lingering, gathering, lounging, etc. is permitted.

SERIES HISTORY
Santa Clara is 20-15-4 all-time against Portland with the first meeting coming in 1984. Last season the two teams tied 1-1 in Portland.

THE BRONCOS
Santa Clara finished seventh in the country in offense with 2.57 goals per game in 2019. The Broncos also finished tied for sixth with 58 assists and seventh with 176 total points. Defensively, they collected 10 shutouts.

Despite losing a trio of starters, Santa Clara returns its top goal scorers in Kelsey Turnbow and Izzy D'Aquila who each found the back of the net 15 times. Turnbow also tied for the team lead with 10 assists and led the way with 40 points. D'Aquila tied the program record for freshmen with her goal total.

Also back are Alex Loera and Julie Doyle. Loera anchored the backline in 2019 while adding four goals and four assists and Doyle scored four times, including the overtime winner against Cal in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, while adding six assists.

All four players were Preseason All-West Coast Conference last month with Turnbow and Loera being named to the MAC Hermann Watch List. The duo was also taken in the NWSL draft, but will be with the team through the 2021 fall season.

In net, Marlee Nicolos looks to be the starter after missing last season with a knee injury.

THE PILOTS
Portland (1-1) topped Oregon State 4-3 in the season opener at home but fell at LMU 2-1 in overtime Saturday to open West Coast Conference play.

Taryn Ries leads the team with three goals scored and six points. Sophia Mattice has scored a goal and added an assist with Jamie Rita also scoring. Four other Pilots have picked up an assist each.

Jenny Wahlen has allowed five goals for a 2.44 GAA and made five saves for a .500 save percentage.

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