SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Pacific women's soccer program showcased a determined defensive effort against Santa Clara on Wednesday evening, holding the Broncos scoreless through the first half before narrowly falling 2-1 at Buck Shaw Field from Stevens Stadium.
Kaya Rosa continued her impressive offensive campaign, scoring her team-leading sixth goal of the season and fifth in her last six matches. Rosa's late strike also marked Pacific's first goal scored on the road against Santa Clara since rejoining the West Coast Conference in 2013.
The Tigers (1-10-1, 0-2-1 WCC) demonstrated resilience throughout the conference clash, anchored by freshman goalkeeper
Ava Wells, who registered seven saves to keep Pacific within striking distance against one of the league's top offensive teams.
Santa Clara (7-2-4, 3-0-0 WCC) applied pressure early, but Pacific's defensive unit stood tall throughout the opening 45 minutes. Wells delivered two critical first-half saves, while the Tigers' backline remained organized against a Broncos' attack that generated nine shots and eight corner kicks before halftime.
Nora Cullen,
Gianna Gagliano,
Faylinn Berkowitz and
Brooklyn Cornish provided stability along the defensive line, each playing the full 90 minutes. Their collective effort helped Pacific withstand Santa Clara's sustained offensive pressure and enter the halftime break locked in a scoreless draw.
After the intermission, the Broncos broke through in the 57th minute when Kennedy Schoennauer scored her 11th goal of the season, and later extended its advantage in the 63rd minute as Jacey Martinez found the back of the net to make the score, 2-0, quickly out of the break.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Pacific continued battling defensively and refused to let the Broncos pull away. Wells remained active, collecting five second-half saves to keep the Tigers within reach.
Pacific's persistence paid off in the closing moments when Rosa capitalized on a key mistake and burying her shot in the 89th minute, cutting the deficit to one goal and giving the Tigers a late opportunity to challenge the Broncos. The Pacific offense tried for one last look, but the final whistle ultimately signaled a narrow 2-1 decision from the Bay Area.
Pacific has a quick turnaround, returning home Saturday to face Seattle at Knoles Field during Homecoming Weekend. Kick-off is slated for 2 p.m. as part of the weekend's busy slate of sports on campus.
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