|
Sunday's game |
|
Opponent: No. 11 Santa Clara (10-3-1, 4-0-0 WCC) |
|
Location: Santa Clara, Calif. |
|
Time: 1 p.m. |
|
Coverage: Video, Live Stats, Game Notes |
SAN FRANCISCO—The last time San Francisco and Santa Clara met ended up a historic day for the Dons and they look to make more history when the two meet at Buck Shaw Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
USF (5-7-3, 0-3-1 WCC) could pick up its first ever win over the Broncos on Sunday who come into the game ranked 11th in the nation. That high ranking did not seem to faze the Dons last season when they earned their first ever point against the longtime rival.
San Francisco had its chances to win the game but a late goal by Pacific forced overtime and the 1-1 tie. Despite that, the Dons come in with a bit of momentum as they picked up their first point in conference play with the tie against the Tigers.
San Francisco has gone through stretches of stellar play against tough competition. The Dons picked up a win against Kansas and a tie against Oregon in consecutive games in the preseason. The next two games will not be much different. After they play Santa Clara, they will host Pepperdine on Nov. 1 and the Waves were another WCC team who was receiving votes for the Top 25 early in the season.
ALUGAS CONTINUES STRONG PLAY
The sophomore forward looked primed to strike last week and she finally broke through against Pacific by scoring her first goal of the season. Her header came after a shot by
Jaciara Mello went off the crossbar.
Alugas has been in or around the goal in each of the last few matches and had a couple of near scores against San Diego two weeks ago.
DEFENSE KEEPS DONS IN STRIKING DISTANCE
The Dons are third in the conference in goals against average at .951 and save percentage.
Madalyn Schiffel has continued to be the anchor to that defense and she carries a save percentage of .813 while saving 4.33 shots per game.
HISTORY MADE LAST SEASON
Going into the 2012 season, the Dons had not recorded a win or tie against Santa Clara in the program's history. That all changed on Senior Day at Negoesco Stadium when San Francisco played the Broncos to a 2-2 tie. The charge was led by goals from
Rochelle Weerackoon and
Sydnie Telson. The Dons have a chance to make history again this season by claiming its first ever win over its longtime rival.
ABOUT SANTA CLARA (10-3-1, 4-0-0 WCC)
The Broncos have played one of the toughest schedules in the country. They have played six ranked teams, three in the Top 10, and are 2-3-1 in those matchups. Julie Johnston is second in the WCC with nine goals on the season and is trailed closely by teammate Sophia Huerta, who has seven. Goalie Andy Tostanoski has a goal against average of .963, which is good for fourth in the WCC. Santa Clara has won six straight games with the last loss coming against No. 2 Stanford in double overtime.
COVERAGE
The game can be watched live through
SantaClaraBroncos.com.
Live Stats will also be availavle.
