PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State women's soccer team lost to the Santa Clara Broncos, 1-2 Saturday night at Lower Soccer Field. The Cougars scored the opening goal less than one minute into the second half, but five bookings, including two red cards, led to a comeback win for the Broncos.
WSU controlled most of the opening period, connecting passes through the midfield and into the attacking third. The Cougs delivered seven first-half shots and put several dangerous crosses into the Broncos' penalty area, forcing two saves. Santa Clara took six shots with most first-half chances come from outside the box.
Less than 55 seconds into the second half, redshirt-senior
Jordyn Young scored the opening goal for WSU. Freshman
Isabelle Wright pressured the SCU backline, stealing possession from a defender before playing Young at the far post for the goal in the 46th minute. Young netted her second goal as a Coug and third career goal. Wright earned her team-leading third assist.
Redshirt-senior goalkeeper
Zora Standifer defended the Cougar lead in the 54th minute, coming off her line to collect a throughball and hold on to possession with a Santa Clara foot stuck in. Standifer would be shown red in the 69th minute on a similar play. Standifer came off her line to collect a ball at the top of the box, slipping as she grabbed the ball and rolled out of the goal box.
The referee ejected Standifer with a red card for denial of a goal scoring opportunity, judging the senior to have handled the ball outside the penalty area. After video review, the red card was rescinded, only to be reinstated after a conversation with the Santa Clara technical staff. True freshman
Sidney Venier was called upon to make her career debut and four saves in the final 21 minutes.
The Broncos were awarded a penalty kick in the 74th minute, equalizing the game from the spot. Playing down a body, the Cougars defended for the remaining quarter hour. Santa Clara broke through for the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute off a cross from the left side.
WSU moves to 1-1 in WCC play and will return to the road for a single contest next week, visiting San Diego, Saturday, October 4. The Cougars will kick off the new month against the Toreros at 4 p.m. with coverage on ESPN+.
