Schoennauer’s Goal Sparks Women’s Soccer Comeback Draw in Home Opener

Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 (#33) runs across the field with the soccer ball, surrounded by four Cal players, during a last-minute attempt to score on August 16, 2026, at Stevens Stadium. (Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)

Santa Clara women’s soccer rallied to come back and draw the University of California, Berkeley during their home opener of the season at Stevens Stadium on Sunday, August 16. 

The Broncos opened the game with solid defense, but the Golden Bears struck first. After a save off the goal line, Cal’s Soleil Dimry scored an early goal in the 11th minute.

Trailing by a goal, the Broncos looked to create scoring opportunities before halftime. Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 led the attack with multiple shots on goal, but none found the back of the net.

The Broncos entered halftime down 1-0 but came out of the break immediately firing. 

After a handball in the box by the Golden Bears, the Broncos were awarded a penalty kick in the 56th minute, confirmed by video review. Schoennauer stepped up and converted the opportunity with a low shot toward the left post, equalizing the score and energizing the home crowd.

Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 (#33) converts a penalty kick in the 56th minute to equalize the score on August 16, 2026, at Stevens Stadium. (Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)

Santa Clara’s Solana Van Enoo ’30 and Malia Yamamoto ’27 each recorded shots, but the Broncos could not pull ahead of Cal, ending the game in a 1-1 tie. 

Schoennauer finished the game with a goal and eight shots, including three on target. She has scored all three of the Broncos’ goals in the team’s first two games. Her performance against Cal, combined with her two-goal brace against San Jose State University in the season opener, earned her WCC co-Offensive Player of the Week honors. 

Goalkeeper Ally Harrison ’29 also contributed with four saves while facing eight shots and allowing just one goal. 

Despite the draw, Broncos head coach Jerry Smith remains at 570 career wins, tied for the second-most among Division I women’s soccer head coaches. 

“Our matchup with Cal is always a battle. Today was just another example of a tight game,” said Smith. “I’m pleased that we came from behind and got something out of the game. I felt like we were the more threatening team at the end of the game.”

Santa Clara continues its stretch of seven consecutive home games on Thursday, August 20, against the University of Oregon, with kickoff set for 7:30pm at Stevens Stadium.