Nov. 14, 2001
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's soccer team concluded its 2001 home schedule with a thrilling come from behind victory Wednesday night over cross-town rival San Jose State in overtime by a score of 2-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Santa Clara (10-8-0) was looking at its ninth defeat of the year when Lars Lyssand gave San Jose State (9-7-4) a 1-0 lead with only 2:25 remaining in the game when he won a loose ball and slipped it past Bronco netminder Steve Cronin.
The Broncos, however, kept their composure and got the equalizer with only 34 seconds remaining in the game when Zach Knight took a Stephen Biondolillo pass and slipped it under the Spartan netminder Daniel Benton. The score would remain the same at the end of regulation as the two teams headed for overtime.
Santa Clara came out with a vengeance, taking three corner kicks within the first 90 seconds of the overtime period. The Broncos outshot San Jose State 3-1 in the overtime period, and it was that third shot that proved to be the game-winner. Anthony Chimienti took a Kellen Gilmore pass and slipped it under Benton into the left-hand corner of the net for his second consecutive game-winning goal.
Despite not truly having meaning, Santa Clara head coach Mitch Murray was happy with the way his team performed on Wednesday night.
"I think some of the guys were looking ahead to Saturday and focusing on the game with Loyola Marymount," said Murray. "In the end their competitive juices got the best of them and they didn't want to lose. Anytime you can see your team battle back and find a way to win, you have to be pleased."
The Broncos may have been looking ahead because of the magnitude of Saturday's game in Los Angeles. If Santa Clara defeats the Lions they will capture their ninth West Coast Conference title and earn the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament that accompanies the conference crown. Saturday's match with Loyola Marymount is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.
