Sept. 30, 2007

Box Score

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Freshman forward Alex Morgan scored her second game-winning goal of the weekend to lead No. 22 California to a 2-0 upset win over top-ranked and previously unbeaten Santa Clara on Sunday afternoon at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Golden Bears' record improved to 8-2 with their eighth shutout and third straight win, while the Broncos fell to 7-1-1.

"I am happy for the girls," said Cal head coach Neil McGuire, who faced Santa Clara for the first time today. "This win was deserved. We played well against a very good Santa Clara team.

"Both Santa Clara and ourselves have suffered some key injuries, so today's game was going to be a battle of will. We must keep this in perspective as we have a long conference season ahead of us and must use this as a catalyst for more success. Our players have a strong belief in each other, so the fact we've lost two games has never concerned me. Our team has shown the ability to recognize what needs to be fixed and worked hard to make changes."

Today's win is Cal's best over a ranked opponent since the Bears edged No. 3 Santa Clara, 2-1, on the road Sept. 17, 2001.

Broncos goalkeeper Meagan McCray kept the game scoreless with a diving save nine minutes into the match. Morgan got in alone on McCray and hit a shot to the far post, but the junior goalkeeper dove and got her right hand on the ball to keep it out of the net.

But Morgan wouldn't be denied In the 29th minute. The product of Diamond Bar, Calif., received a ball over the top from Cal goalkeeper Gina Pellegrini, got behind the defense and blasted a low shot to the far post to give her team a 1-0 advantage. It was Morgan's fifth goal of the season and fourth of the weekend.

"Alex has produced a spark we needed this time of the season," said McGuire. "She scored some very nice goals over the course of the weekend, but she couldn't have done it without her teammates."

With about five minutes left in the first half, junior midfielder/forward Nikki Schrey received a pass about 20 yards from goal from freshman defender Megan Jesolva. Schrey eluded a defender and hit a long shot that found the near post to put the Bears up, 2-0, heading into the break. It was Schrey's first goal of the season.

"The second goal had a nice build up," said McGuire. "There was good ball movement, and when it came to the top of the box, Nikki Schrey had a very nice finish in the lower-left hand corner."

Pellegrini, who collected her first career point with her assist, made four saves to earn her fourth shutout of 2007. Cal outshot Santa Clara, 15-11, and 10-4 in shots on goal. Torrey Delaplane and Stephanie Wieger paced the Bears with three shots each.

"We were able to take advantage of our goalscoring opportunities," said McGuire. "In fairness, Santa Clara had a number of chances. Gina had four saves and our defense did a nice job closing them down around the box. We showed discipline in following the defensive scheme we put together and worked very hard for each other. I was glad to see us get the shutout. Santa Clara is well coached by Coach Smith and a very talented team."

Cal now leads the all-time series with Santa Clara, 15-13-3, after winning its second in a row over the Broncos.

"Having coached in a number of big game rivalry matches, this is as good as it gets," said McGuire. "I thought the spirit of the game was good. Both teams played hard, played tough and played fair. It was an enjoyable match to be a part of."

After completing its non-conference schedule, Cal opens Pac-10 play at Stanford Oct. 12.

Cal Women's Soccer Result
		1	2	F
#1 Santa Clara	0	0	0
#22 California	2	0	2

Scoring Summary
California		Alex Morgan (Gina Pellegrini)	28:09
California		Nikki Schrey (Megan Jesolva) 	39:40

Shots: Cal 15 (Torrey Delaplane 3, Stephanie Wieger 3), Santa Clara 11 (Kiki Bosio 4).
Shots on Goal: Cal 10 (3 players with two), Santa Clara 4 (Kiki Bosio 3).
Saves: Cal 4 (Gina Pellegrini 4), Santa Clara 8 (Meagan McCray 8).
CK: Cal 3, Santa Clara 3.
Fouls: Cal 10, Santa Clara 9.
Offsides: Cal 1, Santa Clara 0.
Yellow Cards: Cal (Kristine Relja 34:40), (Alex Morgan 73:32), (Katherine Daiss 76:26), Santa Clara none.
Red Cards: None.
Records: Cal 8-2, Santa Clara 7-1-1.
Attendance: 1704.