IRVINE, Calif. – On what was ruled an own
goal, Santa Clara lost to Wisconsin 2-1 in the season-opener for
both teams Saturday night in Irvine.
Santa Clara had rallied for a tying goal in the 81st
minute when Alex
Fitschen scored on cross from Murphy
Campbell, only to have a fluke play decide the match moments
later.
On the SCU end line, Badger forward Chris Prince sent a ball
towards the front of the Broncos' net, which ricocheted off Mykell
Bates and rolled inside the right post.
Prior to exchanging goals in the waning moments, Wisconsin
(1-0) held a 1-0 lead for most of the game, jumping out to the
advantage in the first half when Aaron Nichols' header put the
Badgers on the scoreboard.
Santa Clara (0-1) responded with eight shots in the second half
– compared to none by UW. It was Fitschen breaking through
with nine minutes left, tying the match and putting the Broncos in
a position to win before the own goal.
