Santa Clara men's soccer kicked off their season with a 2-1 victory against Cleveland State, showcasing a strong second-half performance. Josmar Guandique opened the scoring with his first career goal in the 46th minute, quickly followed by Cleveland State's equalizer from Domenic Ruggiero ten minutes later. Gabrielius Mazonas clinched the win for Santa Clara with a decisive goal in the 83rd minute, assisted by Will Wiersdorf. Goalkeeper Jackson Ozburn was pivotal in the match, making six saves to preserve the lead.

By the Numbers
  • Santa Clara scored both goals in the second half.
  • Goalkeeper Jackson Ozburn made six saves, five in the second half.
Yes, But

Despite the victory, Santa Clara faced challenges from a physical Cleveland State team, evidenced by a yellow card issued in the first half, reflecting the intensity of the match.

State of Play
  • Santa Clara leads the all-time series against Cleveland State 5-0-1.
  • Three newcomers were in Santa Clara's starting lineup, showcasing a fresh team dynamic.
What's Next

Santa Clara is set to host Fordham on Sunday, aiming to build on their opening win. The match at Stevens Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. PT.

Bottom Line

The strong second-half showing indicates Santa Clara's resilience and potential for the season, with key contributions from both newcomers and veterans alike. This victory sets a positive tone as they look to continue their winning momentum.