Broncos Rally Past Saint Mary's

By Gabe Taylor

One week after notching a hat trick, freshman Sofia Huerta emerged as the aggressor on offense once again. The forward struck with the two goals, including the game-winner in extra time, to help No. 19 Santa Clara overcome Saint Mary's by a score of 2-1 and improve to 8-1-4 (1-0 in the WCC).

After losing to Stanford 2-0 on Sept. 18, the Broncos responded with four consecutive shutout victories before Sunday's conference-opening win. Santa Clara has outscored their last five opponents 14-1.

"The coaching staff has figured out how to best utilize our players," said head coach Jerry Smith. "That has allowed us to settle into a little bit of rhythm."

A slow tempo accompanied the start of the match, with the ball dancing around midfield for the greater part of the first half. Scoring chances were few and rare to come by.

"We didn't play up to our potential," admitted Huerta.

But the sluggish first half preceded a boost in energy when the teams returned to the field after halftime.

The Gaels drew first blood just a few minutes into the second half, when Caroline Kreuz threaded a ball through to Christina Tognetti. Racing past two defenders, Tognetti slotted the ball around Bronco goalie Bianca Henninger to put Saint Mary's up 1-0. That lead, however, did not last long.

With 35 minutes remaining in the match, Huerta took charge, connecting with the net on a 23-yard strike that sailed past the goalie's outstretched arms.

"Sofia is starting to realize the awesome potential she has," said Smith.

Santa Clara continued to pressure Saint Mary's for the remainder of the half, but was unable to grab hold of the lead.

"We all have the mentality of having no fear in the attacking third," said Huerta.

At the end of regulation the scoreboard read 1-1, and the teams funneled off the field in preparation for extra time. Just over six minutes into the golden goal overtime, Huerta intercepted a pass from the Gael's goalkeeper. Seeing an opening, she dashed towards the goal, and sent the ball into the back of the net.

"The way that our team is connecting, I think we're all on the same page now," said Huerta, noting that the team's chemistry is progressing.

Emptying onto the field, the Broncos' bench accompanied the rest of the team in celebrating the come-from-behind victory.

"Now that we finally have started to win, I think we know how much better it feels to actually come out with a ‘W,' rather than playing 110 minutes and tying or losing," said Huerta.

After sitting on the sideline against San Diego State, Henninger returned to the lineup Sunday, turning away six of the seven shots on goal.

Santa Clara, looking to extend its season-long winning streak to six games, returns to Buck Shaw Stadium tonight to host Brigham Young University at 7 p.m.

"We really want this win," said Huerta. "And I think we're going to get it."

Contact Gabe Taylor at gtaylor@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.