SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Soccer were bested by the Santa Clara Broncos on Saturday afternoon, despite taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. 
 
Nayeli Diaz converted a penalty just before the half, but three second half goals from the Broncos sealed SMC's fate. 
 
POSSESSION DOMINATION
Santa Clara came out of the gates hot, quickly establishing possession in the Gaels half. Saint Mary's were able to remain composed, relying on their strong defense and ability to counter attack. Taylor Poland was busy throughout the game, making two strong saves inside the opening 15 minutes of play. 
 
The Gaels were stuck in their own half for a majority of the opening 45 minutes, as the Broncos piled on the shots. Despite all their efforts, the Gaels were able to keep them off the score sheet.
 
The Broncos best chance to take the lead in the 29^th minute, as they managed to hit crossbar twice in quick succession. Poland did just enough to keep the Gaels in the match.
 
STEALING THE LEAD
Despite having almost no possession inside the Broncos penalty area, the Gaels were rewarded with a stroke of luck as they were awarded a penalty in the 40^th minute. Nayeli Diaz powered the shot home into the top left corner to give the Gaels the 1-0 lead. 
 
Four big saves from Poland and a composed finish from Diaz had the Gaels leading at the break, despite the Broncos totaling 11 shots to SMC's 1.
 
MOMENTUM SHIFT
Once again Saint Mary's were forced to defend from the start of the second half whistle, but the Gaels defense refused to budge. After two more spectacular saves from Poland, Santa Clara finally broke through in the 59^thminute via a right footed shot that glanced off Poland's gloves. 
 
The Broncos continued to mount the pressure, aching for a winner. The continuous pressure once again paid off, as the Broncos scored a beautiful right footed curler in the top right corner of Poland's net to make it 2-1.
 
Saint Mary's tried to respond, forcing a few shots on target, but none dangerous enough to level the score. Santa Clara found the net for a final time Saturday afternoon, as they were awarded a penalty in the 82^ndminute. The Broncos forward converted the opportunity, making it 3-1 Santa Clara. 
 
After a promising halftime lead, the Gaels were unable to keep the Broncos out of the net, with Santa Clara having 23 total shots to Saint Mary's four.
 
UP NEXT
Saint Mary's are once again on the road next week as they head to Oregon to take on the Portland Pilots. The game is scheduled for Wednesday October 19 at 7 PM.