Women's Soccer Suffers Home Loss

By Bruce Martinez

Santa Clara women's soccer lost to No. 14 ranked Cal Berkley 2-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium Monday night. The loss dropped the Broncos to 4-1 on the season. The game was significant because it was the first time a Santa Clara squad had competed since all games were postponed.

The time off was a good chance for rest and recovery, but a layoff can also alter a teams rhythm, we had a good rhythm going in, the lay off seemed to affect that, but it is minor compared to what has happened, Head Coach Jerry Smith said.

The game started poorly for the Broncos who allowed two quick shots on goal. The Cal offensive continued to the 19th minute when Kyla Sabo scored on a header off a pass from Kim Yokers. Santa Clara equalized in the 39th minute with a goal off the head of Aly Wagner.

It was a tight game until the 83rd minute when Laura Schott beat Bronco goalie Alyssa Sobolik in a one-on-one situation.

Cal played us very tough, they are a very strong physical team. They also came in with a lot of emotion and desire because we eliminated them last fall in the NCAA tournament," Smith said. "It was positive to gain some match experience in a tight game."

Next up for the No. 3 ranked Broncos is the Stanford Classic this weekend.

Email Bruce or call (408) 554-4852.