Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 (#33) fired a shot to the far post in the 26th minute, giving the Broncos a 1-0 lead over UCLA on August 30, 2026, at Stevens Stadium. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

Santa Clara women’s soccer fell 3-2 to No. 17 University of California, Los Angeles in an exhilarating matchup on Sunday, August 30.

Before the game, Bronco women’s soccer head coach Jerry Smith was presented with a game ball by Santa Clara University Athletic Director Heather Owen to celebrate his 571st career win. The 1-0 victory over UC Davis on Thursday night moved Smith into second place on the all-time wins list among Division I women’s soccer head coaches.

Smith credited the hundreds of people who have contributed to his achievement, including the University for hiring him and supporting the women’s soccer program.

“There are so many people to thank in 40 years of coaching. I’m really proud of 571, proud to be second-winningest coach in the history of our sport,” said Smith.

The Broncos opened the game with strong offensive play and took a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute when Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 fired a shot to the far post for her sixth goal of the season.

UCLA had a few opportunities to even the score, but Santa Clara extended its lead in the 44th minute with a goal from Adee Goulden ’29. The Broncos entered halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Jalana Kimber ’29 (#11) sends a cross into the box, assisting Adee Goulden ’29 on her goal in the 44th minute to put the Broncos up 2-0 at halftime over UCLA on August 30, 2026, at Stevens Stadium. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

However, the game became “a tale of two halves,” according to Smith.

Santa Clara experienced a momentum shift in the second half, which led to more scoring opportunities for UCLA. In the 63rd minute, the Bruins broke through with a long-distance goal from Leena Powell, her first of the season.

Despite the Broncos’ efforts, UCLA tied the game in the 74th minute when Molly Hale headed in a cross from Olivia Woodson. Less than two minutes later, Hale dribbled a loose ball into the box and found the back of the net for her second goal of the game, putting UCLA ahead 3-2.

Santa Clara continued to push for an equalizer but could not level the score, suffering its first loss of the season.

Broncos’ goalkeeper Ally Harrison ’29 made three crucial saves while facing 11 shots.

“I was really pleased with how the first half unfolded. They exposed us a little bit today in the second half,” said Smith. “I thought UCLA deserved the victory, which is disappointing. You shouldn’t be in a game where you’re up 2-0 at halftime, and the other team deserves a victory. We missed an opportunity today for sure.”

Next up, the Broncos host No. 1 Stanford on Sunday, September 6, at 1 p.m. at Stevens Stadium.