Oct. 17, 1999
BERKELEY - The California men's soccer team upended No. 1 Santa Clara, 3-1, in front of the largest crowd to ever see a soccer game at Edwards Stadium - 2,018. The Golden Bears improved to 10-2-2 overall, 2-1-1 in the MPSF, while the Broncos fell to 11-2, 1-1 in the WCC after losing for the second time this weekend.
"We showed everyone today that we are a very good team," said Cal head coach Mark Mallon. "We've now defeated two of the top three teams in the region in San Diego (11-1) and Santa Clara (11-2)."
Cal struck first in the 11th minute when sophomore forward Chris Roner stole the ball from a Santa Clara defender and streaked about 40 yards down the right side of the field. Roner scored his second goal of the year with a blast to the lower left corner of the net.
"Our most valuable player today was Roner," said Mallon. "His early goal set the tone and had our team believing that Santa Clara was beatable."
Bear junior forward Kendall Simmonds netted his second game-winning goal of the weekend in the 18th minute. Junior midfielder Ramiro Arredondo flighted Cal's only corner kick of the day to the far post where senior defender Derrick Dyslin headed the ball on goal. Simmonds knocked in the rebound after Santa Clara goalkeeper Rusty Johnson couldn't cleanly handle Dyslin's shot.
In the 42nd minute, SCU freshman reserve midfielder Scott McClain erased the Bears shutout with a 12-yard unassisted goal just under the crossbar, giving Cal a 2-1 halftime lead.
Both teams played about even in the second half until the Bears posted an insurance goal in the 82nd minute. Senior defender Justin Rackleff lofted a long cross into the box, which freshman forward Jason Thorpe headed in for his fourth goal of the year. SCU had allowed only four goals this season prior to today's game.
"I didn't think Santa Clara had too many good scoring opportunities," said Cal goalkeeper Doug Brooks, who had four saves in the game. "We kept them to the outside. We have to keep a level head. This is certainly a huge win in our quest to make the NCAA Tournament."
After today's one-game break from conference play, Cal plays its next three games on the road against MSPF competition. Friday, Oct. 22, Cal travels to Washington and Sunday, Oct. 24, the Bears visits Oregon State. Kickoff for both games is at 1 p.m.
Men's Soccer
Edwards Stadium
#1 Santa Clara 1 0 - 1
California 2 1 - 3
Goals: Cal: Roner (unassisted), 10:15, Simmonds (Arredondo, Dyslin), 17:51, Thorpe (Rackleff), 81:46, Santa Clara: McClain (unassisted), 41:54.
Shots: Cal 11 (Thorpe 4), Santa Clara 12 (Smith 3)
Saves: Cal (Brooks 4), Santa Clara (Johnson 3).
CK: Cal 1, Santa Clara 7.
Fouls: Cal 10, Santa Clara 15.
Offsides: Cal 1, Santa Clara 6.
Yellow Cards: Cal: Henrich (31:02), Santa Clara: Biondolillo (59:52).
Red Cards: None.
Records: Cal 10-2-2, 2-1-1 MPSF, Santa Clara 11-2, 1-1 WCC.
Attendance: 2,018.
