SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Santa Clara women's soccer played to a 1-1 draw with the Pitt on Sunday at Stevens Stadium.
The Broncos (1-0-3) recorded 15 shots, four of which were on target, and drew eight corners.
Santa Clara started the first half with a strong offensive push, registering multiple shots on goal, including attempts by Kennedy Schoennauer and Adee Goulden. Despite these efforts, the Panthers (2-1-1) defense, anchored by goalie Elli Johnson, held firm. Ally Harrison made key saves for the Broncos, notably stopping a bottom-center shot by Adi Bianchin in the 14th minute. The half concluded scoreless at 0-0.
The Broncos rallied in the second half with a pivotal penalty kick goal by Rylan Cashman, the first tally of her collegiate career, in the 66th minute, equalizing the score after Pittsburgh's Celine Ottah had earlier put the visitors ahead in the 61st minute. Santa Clara sustained offensive pressure throughout the half, registering multiple shots and corner kicks, notably a saved attempt by Hildi Benediktsdottir in the 81st minute. Despite several opportunities on both sides, the half concluded even at 1-1.
Cashman scored the only goal for Santa Clara, converting one of her two shots on target. Harrison was solid in goal, recording four saves across the match. Benediktsdottir contributed offensively with two shots on goal, maintaining pressure on the opposition's defense.
Ottah stood out for the Panthers by scoring the team's only goal. Defensively, Johnson played all 90 minutes in goal, making three saves against 15 shots faced, allowing just one goal. Claire Jones and Katie Ellermeyer each provided an assist, with Jones adding a shot on goal to her performance. Sage Stelzer was active offensively, leading the team with three shots, two of which were on target.
Santa Clara will host UC Davis on Thursday at 5 p.m.
NOTES:
- Amma Melton and Sydney Scott both made their collegiate debuts.
- Jerry Smith remains at 570 career wins, tied for the second most among Division I women's soccer head coaches.
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