Posted: Oct 12, 2019
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Anders Engebretsen's penalty kick goal in the 78th minute was the difference to give visiting Saint Mary's a 2-1 win over Santa Clara men's soccer in the West Coast Conference opener on Saturday night.
Santa Clara (6-4-1, 0-1 WCC) defender Alejandro Perez was called for a handball inside the box when he was pushed by a Gaels player trying to contest a corner kick, giving Saint Mary's (10-1, 1-0 WCC) a penalty kick.
Gaels leading scorer Engebretsen capitalized on the penalty, just beating goalkeeper Guillem Badenes Mecho, who guessed correctly diving to his right, finishing low in the 78th minute to retake the lead at 2-1 in what would be the game-winner. It was Engebretsen's 10th goal of the season.
Julian Bravo entered the match for the first time in the 51st minute with the Broncos trailing 1-0 and made an impact in his time on the pitch. After a long stretch of possession, Bravo's left-foot blast from up top inside the 18 deflected off a Gaels defender for the equalizer in the 65th minute.
The Gaels got the lone goal of the first half off a set piece. Valentin Sponer's header off Filippo Zattarin's corner kick was initially saved by Badenes Mecho but Joseph Restani cleaned up the loose ball and scored from point blank range in the 28th minute. It was the first goal the Broncos had conceded in 349 minutes of action.
The match was fairly evenly played with both squads finishing with seven shots on frame with each side creating some dangerous chances. Gaels goalkeeper Remi Preiur was credited with six saves compared to five for Badenes Mecho.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHT | Bravo, Julian Bravo! The sophomore netted his third goal of the season in the second half to tie up tonight's match against No. 8 Saint Mary's. #StampedeTogether #SCUBroncos pic.twitter.com/wcq9rSD0r3
— Santa Clara Men's Soccer (@SCUBroncoSoccer) October 13, 2019
QUOTABLE
VIDEO | #SCUBroncos head coach Cam Rast assesses the match vs No. 8 @SMC_MSoccer in the 2-1 loss. #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/RZoykxXYkd
— Santa Clara Men's Soccer (@SCUBroncoSoccer) October 13, 2019
1989 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 30TH REUNION
��⬆️ What a Grand Reunion it was! Here's a look back at the 30th reunion celebration of the 1989 National Championship men's soccer squad with #SCUBroncos head coach Cam Rast. #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/jmGn0Ehcjd
— Santa Clara Men's Soccer (@SCUBroncoSoccer) October 13, 2019
NOTES
• Bravo's goal gave him the team-lead with three on the season.
• The 1989 men's soccer National Champion squad was recognized at halftime.
UP NEXT
The Broncos host Pacific on Saturday at 7 p.m.
