Box Score WATCH HIGHLIGHTS
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Phillip Muscarella's header off a cross by Harrison Hanley at the 85:37 mark lifted Santa Clara to a 1-0 victory over USF in a West Coast Conference match played at Negoesco Stadium
The win improves Santa Clara's record to 10-6-1 overall and 7-2-1 in the WCC while USF falls to 5-7-2 and 3-5-1 in conference play.
Muscarella's goal was his first of the year and came with the Broncos one man down after Jared Hegardt received a red card with 16:11 remaining.
Santa Clara's game-winning goal came after a throw in deep inside USF's half. The ball came out to Wes Culver on the left flank and when the Dons were unable to clear the ball, Hanley crossed the ball over the outstretched hand of goal keeper
Brendan Roslund and the on-rushing Muscarella headed the ball into the back of the net for the game winner.
Following the red card to Hegardt, the Dons were not able to put pressure on SCU keeper Larry Jackson, who posted his sixth shutout of the season.
USF's best scoring chances in the second half came at the 26:02 mark when
Danny Kirkland's free kick from the top of the box was deflected wide by Jackson. Minutes later, Jackson came up big when he saved a Kyle MacCleod header off a corner kick from
Mauricio Diaz De Leon.
USF's
Jorge Martinez and
David Romney took turns marking Santa Clara's top goal scorer Erik Hutardo, who managed five shots on goal. Hutardo had three excellent scoring chances, the last coming at the 4:30 mark.
Santa Clara finished the match with 11 shots on goal while USF had 10 shots.
USF will be back in action on Sunday as they meet the Saint Mary's Gaels in Moraga beginning at 2:00 p.m
