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Quick Strike in Overtime Propels Santa Clara Past Wisconsin

Quick Strike in Overtime Propels Santa Clara Past Wisconsin

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Just added to the active roster this week, freshman Keanu Mendoza blasted a shot into the back of the net immediately following the overtime tap, lifting Santa Clara over visiting Wisconsin 2-1 Friday night at Stevens Stadium.

Santa Clara (1-2-0) was making its 2015 home debut. The Broncos had out-shot the Badgers 15-4 through regular time, before Mendoza allowed SCU to come away victorious, converting a long feed from teammate Carlos Delgadillo.  

Wisconsin (0-3-0) had a quick answer to Santa Clara's first goal, tying the game at 1-1 early in the second half when Mike Catalano headed-in a cross from Christopher Mueller. 

"Wisconsin is a tough team to break down, outwork and compete against," said SCU head coach Cameron Rast. "So I thought it was good to be able to move forward after a tough weekend, play some good soccer and then eventually bring through the two goals." 

The Broncos had traveled back east to play ACC powers Wake Forest and No. 5 North Carolina, losing twice, prior to their home-opener against the Badgers.

Junior starter Edson Cardona put SCU up 1-0 shortly after halftime, gathering a deflected shot and beating UW's keeper past the far post. It was then Catalano who evened the game moments later, locking things up at 1-1 through 90 minutes. 

"We are still learning about ourselves and what we need to do in order to win games," added Rast, who saw his team dominate much of the play Friday night. "This game was very different from the games we played last week, which were high-pressure, run at you, athletic, skillful games."

"Tonight was hard-nosed, physical and defensive."

Santa Clara looks to build on the win Sunday when they play host to Cal State Fullerton at 1 p.m.