SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The University of San Diego women’s soccer team wrapped up its regular season on a tough note, losing 3-1 to Santa Clara. This match took place at Stevens Stadium.
Head coach Greg LaPorte reflected on the game, saying, “We made it hard on ourselves early. Against a team like that, you get punished.” The Toreros had moments of chance creation, including a penalty, but couldn’t transform them into goals.
Santa Clara opened the scoring quickly. In just the third minute, Kennedy Schoennauer found the net with a clever finish from a pass by Addie Whitehouse. Whitehouse added a second goal just moments later, making it 2-0.
San Diego sought to respond. Senior forward Josefine Schlichting had a few good opportunities early on, but one shot was cleared off the line, and her penalty kick was denied by goalkeeper Ally Harrison.
The Broncos extended their lead to 3-0 in the 36th minute. Despite the score, San Diego outshot Santa Clara in the first half and continued to fight in the second.
The Toreros got on the scoreboard in the 59th minute when freshman Amanda Anders scored her sixth goal of the season, bringing the score to 3-1. After being tripped in the box, she seized the rebound from a set piece and fired it into the top corner.
Even with a player down for the last 25 minutes due to a red card given to senior defender Emma Gonzalez, San Diego held off Santa Clara from scoring further in the second half, but they struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm.
As the Toreros prepare for their season finale against Seattle U on Saturday, Nov. 8, all eyes will be on seven San Diego seniors during this senior day match at Torero Stadium.
Additional Insights
In the ever-competitive sphere of women’s college soccer, the dynamics have shifted significantly. A 2022 study from the NCAA reported that women’s soccer participation has surged by over 70% in the last two decades, indicating a growing interest and investment in the sport.
Players like Amanda Anders reflect this trend. Young talents can thrive in college settings, and with a strong foundation, many aim for professional leagues, both domestically and internationally.
Social media reactions often highlight the resilience of teams like San Diego. Fans expressed pride in their team’s progress, especially in challenging matches. The hashtag #TorerosRise has gained traction, showcasing community support and engagement around USD women’s soccer.
For more statistical insights into NCAA women’s soccer trends, you can view the full report on the NCAA’s official website.
There’s much to look forward to as San Diego gears up for their last game, aiming to end the season on a high note.
