MORAGA, Calif. – The No. 12 Santa Clara women's soccer team (9-3-2 overall, 2-0-0 WCC) picked up its second conference win of the year, defeating Saint Mary's on the road, 2-0, this afternoon. An own-goal by the Gaels at 56:56 proved to be the game-winner for the Broncos, while sophomore Lauren Matheson netted an insurance goal in the 86th minute.
Santa Clara outshot Saint Mary's, 6-4, in the first half, but neither team was able to materialize a goal.
The ice was broken in the 57th minute when senior Maxine Goynes crossed the ball into the six-yard box, which hit a Gael defender, Caroline Shevlin, and went into the net.
The Bronco defense was once again solid; stifling a late push by Saint Mary's to get the equalizer. Santa Clara took advantage of the Gaels' offensive focus, springing Goynes and Lauren Matheson on the counterattack with a ball over the top of the defense and an eventual 1-v-1 for Matheson on SMC goalkeeper Sarah Peters. Matheson made good on her opportunity, slotting the ball into the far corner for her third goal of the year, and Goynes was credited with the assist.
Junior goalie Bianca Henninger made six saves in her sixth-shutout effort this season. Peters finished with four saves. The Broncos finished with a total of 13 shots in comparison to the Gaels' 11.
Santa Clara returns to the pitch on Sunday at 1 p.m at San Francisco. The Dons began the WCC season with a loss to Saint Mary's, 1-0, and at time of press, were losing to San Diego, 2-0, at halftime.
