PORTLAND, Ore. – Parker Holland scored just 22 seconds into overtime and Santa Clara was able to come away with a 3-2 road win on a rain-soaked night in Portland Friday.
Santa Clara (7-7-1; 2-1-1 WCC) welcomed back star forward Carlos Delgadillo, and he scored in the first half to give the Broncos an early lead.
Portland (2-10-3; 0-4-0 WCC) had played No. 7 Denver to a tie last time out, and responded on its home field to score twice, first on a goal from All-WCC preseason pick Eddie Sanchez five minutes into the first half. The Pilots then went up 2-1 when Jacob Hanlin buried a shot from the top of the box.
With their backs firmly against the wall, down 2-1 with five minutes left, the Broncos kept pressing and were able to generate a penalty kick opportunity that Edson Cardona put in the bottom right corner.
"This was a great win for the guys," said Santa Clara head coach and Bronco Hall of Famer Cam Rast. "After going up, the game kind of turned on them. There was a lot of things working against them, the conditions playing a part. They were able to get the tying goal, then Parker (Holland) really found some inspiration in that winning moment."
The Broncos out-shot the Pilots 13-8 and Portland committed 18 fouls to Santa Clara's seven.
Santa Clara makes the second-half of its Pacific Northwest trip to play at Gonzaga Sunday at 1 p.m.
