PALO ALTO, Calif. – Freshman Nicole Danford scored her third goal of the season to give the UNC Greensboro women's soccer team a hard fought win over 15th-ranked Santa Clara University, 1-0, at the Stanford/Nike Invitational.
The win marks the third victory over an opponent from the state of California in just the first trip to the California for the Spartans. UNCG (5-2-0) has now won three straight games and will look to make it four against No. 3 Stanford on Sunday afternoon.
Danford broke the scoreless tie in the 43rd minute, sending the Spartans into half time with a 1-0 advantage and much of the momentum as the UNCG defense was able to ward off two late attempts by the Broncos, forcing Santa Clara (3-3-0) to send two shots high and then wide.
The freshman upped her season point total to eight with her third goal of the year after a loose ball in front of the net founds its way to a sliding Danford and into the back of the net. Along with Danford, Katelynn Donovan and Jenn Partenheimer each record two shots, giving the Spartans a total of give for the night.
Despite being out-shot 11-to-five on the evening, the Spartan defense was able to hold their opponent scoreless for the first time this season. Senior Jamie Corti and junior Lauren Lopez anchored a Spartan defense that allowed the Broncos just five shots on goal in 90 minutes of play in front of freshman goalie Kelsey Kearney. In just her second collegiate start, Kearney came up with five saves, including her one and only save of the second half, in the 47th minute of play, to keep Santa Clara at bay.
The Broncos' also held the advantage on corner kicks, an area that the Spartans have dominated their opponents thus far this season. Santa Clara sent six corners into the box, but came up empty each time as the UNCG defense turned each away from net.
The Spartans will return to action on Sunday as they take on host and third-ranked Stanford in a 5:30 pm ET game. The Cardinal and Spartans have never faced one another. Livestats and video feed will be available through UNCGSpartans.com or GoStanford.com.
AGATE
Scoring Summary: UNCG – Nicole Danford
(unassisted) 42:52; Shots: UNCG 5, SCU 11; Saves: UNCG 5
(Kearney 5), SCU 1 (Henniger 1); Corner Kicks: UNCG 0, SCU 6; Fouls
UNCG 13, SCU 10.
- UNCG -