Oct. 24, 2003
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Leslie Osborne and Tina Estrada connected on a pair of goals to lead the Santa Clara University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over San Francisco in West Coast Conference action this evening at Negoesco Stadium.
The Broncos remain in a first-place tie with Portland in the WCC with a 4-0 record, while their overall mark improves to 10-3-4. San Francisco falls to 5-11-0, 1-3 in league play. The all-time series now favors SCU 20-0. Additionally, Santa Clara has now outscored league opponents 14-2.
The Broncos scored in the ninth minute to open an early lead. Estrada had the ball 25 yards out, with time to wait for Osborne to make her run. Osborne passed through the Don defense untouched and Estrada was able to slot the ball over. A one-touch at the top of the box brought USF keeper Jennifer Orantes out and Osborne was able to calmly put the ball home with the left foot.
Osborne and Estrada switched roles for the Broncos' second goal in the 66th minute. Catherine Sigler took a free kick on the near side, about 30 yards out. Osborne collected the ball and found a wide-open Estrada directly in front of the goal for the lead.
San Francisco had a strong opportunity in the 27th minute, with a free kick just outside the box. Annika Schmidt's left-footed attempt bounced off the far left post, giving another Don a shot before the Broncos could clear away the threat.
San Francisco scored the equalizer early in the second half, when Shuree Hyatt bested two Bronco defenders on the run and beat SCU keeper Alyssa Sobolik low and to Sobolik's right.
Santa Clara outshot the Dons 18-6, including an attempt by Chardonnay Poole that deflected off the crossbar less than one minute before halftime.
The Broncos will next travel to Moraga for a noon game against Saint Mary's at Garaventa Field. The Broncos lead the all-time series against the Gaels 21-3-2.
