Broncos Beat Dons in Heated Match

By Chris Glennon

The latest installment of the Santa Clara and University of San Francisco soccer rivalry was yet another hotly contested game. 

The Broncos won 2-1, but will be without Wesley Culver in their next game due to his red card in the 90th minute. The red card came after a rough tackle by Culver that caused players from both teams to push and shove each other. 

"It's emotionally charged; there should be some great football that gets played," said Santa Clara Head Coach Cameron Rast. "We look forward to those matches; we know it's going to be a great derby. It was nice to get our result, particularly because they got us at home last year."

Santa Clara forward Erik Hurtado, fresh off of his West Coast Conference Player of the Month award for September, notched two goals against the Dons in the first half. 

"It's my senior year. I'm trying to make the most of it," Hurtado said. "My team has been giving me the ball in the right spots." 

Hurtado first scored after a midfield turnover by the Dons led to a breakaway opportunity for the Broncos. From the top of the box, Hurtado smashed the ball past USF keeper Brendan Roslund in the 32nd minute. Hurtado added another goal just seven minutes later, again beating the keeper from the top of the box. 

The two rivals have met 63 times, and USF holds the all-time edge at 31-23-9, although Santa Clara is 19-4-3 against the Dons since 1995. 

"It's always nice to beat USF," said Hurtado of the longtime rivalry. "It's always a battle, definitely a physical game." 

Santa Clara's defense, along with keeper Larry Jackson, were a huge presence on the field. In the last six games, the Broncos have allowed just three goals. As a result, Santa Clara was 5-1 during that stretch. 

This Friday the Broncos will travel to Portland to face the University of Portland Athletics Pilots who are tied in the league with Santa Clara and University of San Diego. 

Besides missing Culver, the Broncos will also be without Matt Escobar, who transferred to Santa Clara from Portland over the summer. He will sit out due to a friendly agreement between the coaches. 

Contact Ryan Mahoney at rmahoney@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.