Nov. 4, 2005

Final Stats

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With both teams having a chance at the West Coast Conference championship and a NCAA playoff berth on the line, Santa Clara and San Diego battled to an inspired 1-1 draw Friday night at Buck Shaw Stadium.

After overcoming a sluggish first half defensively, the Broncos got a goal from reserve Ted Kristensson to earn the tie and move to 12-3-2 on the season and 6-1-2 in league play. San Diego fell to 8-4-4 overall and 4-3-2 in league play.

"I really have to give credit to San Diego for an inspired effort tonight," said SCU head coach Cameron Rast. "The really came after us and put us on our heels early in the match and took advantage of that with the early goal. They came into the game knowing they needed a win or a tie to remain in the playoff hunt. I think their performance tonight, combined with their record against a solid schedule, should keep them in consideration for postseason."

"I was really proud of our guys for hanging in there and battling hard for the entire game. We didn't capitalize on the chances we had late in the game and, ultimately, I think that was the difference."

Santa Clara remains in first-place in the WCC standings, two matches ahead of five teams in the win column. A win against Loyola Marymount on Sunday afternoon, combined with a San Francisco win over San Diego clinches at least a tie for the regular-season WCC title. Should the Broncos defeat LMU and the Dons lose to San Diego, Santa Clara would clinch the title outright.

USD's Calle Kendahl scored on fairly wide-open shot from the left side of the penalry area that got past Santa Clara keeper Kevin Sweeney for the Toreros' only goal of the game. The goal was the first surrendered by Sweeney in six matches.

Throughout the first 20 minutes of the second half, the Broncos had several chances to score and finally broke through in the 67th minute. Following an Eric Irvine shot that connected with the right post, Keith DeVey got a quick foot on the ball and sent it into the front of the goal where Mehdi Ballouchy deflected it to Kristensson. The Ludvika, Sweden native gathered it quickly and sent a shot into the near post to tie the game.

Santa Clara outshot the Toreros by a 15-9 margin in the match and nine of the Broncos's shots were on frame. San Diego keeper Lance Friesz gathered seven saves in a solid effort between the pipes.