Santa Clara Doyles' First Career Goal Lifts Women's Soccer Over San Jose State in Season-Opener

Photo, Recap Credit: Santa Clara University

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Kicking-off the 2017 season, Santa Clara women's soccer clawed out a 2-1 victory over San Jose State on Friday night at Stevens Stadium.

With the score tied, Julie Doyle scored her first career goal in the 88th minute to put Santa Clara (1-0) on top 2-1. Doyle got the ball near the top of the box and turned to fire a rocket into the back of the net for the game-winner.

Despite the close score, Santa Clara was on the front foot on offense, especially in the first half when the Broncos attempted 10 shots and put eight on goal. Ana Calero made 10 saves in net for the Spartans to keep the match tight.

Santa Clara came out of halftime flat and in the 51st minute San Jose State (0-1) tied the score at 1-all. Yaritza Arista passed the ball from the top corner of the box to Yvette Cueller who turned and slipped her shot past Lowder in net.

Maddy Gonzalez got the scoring going with the first goal of the year in the 25th minute. A through ball found Maria Sanchez who one-touched a pass to Gonzalez and she was able to finish with a shot to the far post.

"We had great fan support tonight. We've always been fortunate here with the fan support. People come out for the game and cheer on the team. It really inspires our players. We love our fans. They're a big part of our program and a big reason why we win a lot of home games. With the fans support we were able to pull out the win."

Head coach Jerry Smith

NOTES
This was the 50th consecutive game for Santa Clara without allowing more than two goals.

The Broncos held the edge in shots 18-7 and 12-4 in shots on goal.

Six Broncos made their Santa Clara debut (Doyle, Sanchez, Sofia Jones, Alex Loera, Kelcie Hedge, and Kelsey Turnbow), four of which were also collegiate debuts (Doyle, Jones, Loera, and Turnbow).

Four-year old Sofia Rodriguez served as the honorary Bronco captain for the match. Rodriguez has been through intensive chemotherapy for B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma but is scheduled to finish treatment on March 16, 2018.

UP NEXT
The Broncos head to Cal on Sunday to take on the Bears at 1 p.m. The game will be on Pac-12 Network with Kate Scott and Bronco alum Aly Wagner making the call.