DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis recorded six shots on goal in Friday’s non-conference season opener at Aggie Soccer Field — twice as many as Santa Clara — and four Aggies competed in their first-ever collegiate match, but Santa Clara was able to double its lead in the final minutes to defeat the Aggies, 2-0.

The result helps Santa Clara start its season with a 1-0 record; UC Davis will cap its first homestand of the season on Monday against Sacramento State, and enter that match with a 0-1 record.

“I thought we created some opportunity to score some goals, especially with young talent, against a worthy opponent,” said UC Davis head coach Twila Kaufman following the match.

“Soccer is an interesting game because you can do everything right, and still lose … however, [today’s game] is a great foundation moving forward that will help us improve.” 

Crystal Crump, one of four players who made their Aggie debut against the Broncos, nearly evened the score at one apiece with her brilliant run in the 73rd minute. Able to sprint past two Santa Clara defenders at midfield, Crump caught up to Rachel Smith’s one-touch header that bounced along the near sideline and dribble towards Bronco goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski. Once Crump turned and beat another pair of Santa Clara players near the corner flag, she ran alongside the end line flicked a shot towards the near post, which deflected off the iron back into play.

That was one of numerous Aggie scoring opportunities that tested Tostanoski throughout the afternoon. Led by Smith, who recorded two shots on goal out of her team-high three attempts, five Aggies — a contingent that included Andi Damian, Lindsay Johansen, Mandy McKeegan and Celina Minissian — fired towards the net in an attempt to net the equalizer.

In addition to Crump, Alexis Smith, who recorded her first collegiate save in goal for UC Davis, Kristie Braken-Guelke andAri Zamora were the other Aggie first-years who enjoyed their inaugural taste of Division I action.

“Any time you have a new center back entering the starting lineup, especially a freshman, that is a huge deal. I think Kristie stepped into that role really well, which allowed Ana Marija Solato enter the midfield and help us out there,” Kaufman said.

Santa Clara’s first goal, which originated on one of the team’s three corner kicks, took place 13 minutes into the game. Even though the Aggies created dangerous opportunities of their own throughout the match, it was the Broncos who were able to increase their lead with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation. 

UC Davis will have an opportunity to extend its eight-match unbeaten streak against its regional rivals when the team returns to action on Monday. Kickoff at Aggie Soccer Field will take place at 3 p.m., a live stats link for this Causeway Cup contest is available at ucdavisaggies.com.

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