The struggles of the women's soccer team this season continued over the weekend at the Santa Clara Nike Classic. After defeating Saint Mary's on Friday night, 2-1, the 25th-ranked Blue Devils were blanked by No. 2 Santa Clara, 5-0.
Santa Clara (10-0-1) overpowered Duke (6-6) in nearly every phase of the game. The key difference in the game, though, was the fact that the Blue Devils were outshot by the Broncos 22-2. Santa Clara goalkeeper Crystal Gordon stopped both of Duke's attempts, while Isis Dallis recorded eight saves of her own.
The Broncos opened their scoring on a goal by preseason All-American Mandy Clemens off a Danielle Slaton corner kick 11:19 into the match. Fifteen minutes later, Clemens found the back of the net again from 16 yards out, giving Santa Clara a 2-0 lead.
The score remained 2-0 at halftime, despite the fact that the Blue Devils were outshot 9-0. Duke opened the second half with a bit of a flurry and fired two shots on goal in the first three minutes, but that was the most it would threaten.
The undefeated Broncos added three more goals in the half for the 5-0 final and tournament championship.
The Blue Devils fared much better Friday night in their contest with Saint Mary's. The Gaels (3-5) started the night looking for the upset and netted the first goal of the match when Jennifer Benz connected on a corner kick 10:28 into the first half.
Saint Mary's held onto its lead for nearly 29 minutes before Sherrill Kester capitalized on a bad clearance pass by the Gaels and found the lower left corner of the net, tying the game at one.
The match remained even until Kasey Truman netted a loose ball bobbled by Saint Mary's goalkeeper Nicole Lunsford in the 64th minute of the second half. Duke's defense, led by Dallis' three saves, held strong for the remainder of the match to ensure the 2-1 victory.
The Blue Devils dominated the Gaels for the majority of the match, outshooting their opponent 15-9. Duke also received 15 corner kicks to a mere three by Saint Mary's. The win evened the all-time series between the two schools at one, as Duke lost the only other meeting 2-1 in overtime in 1991.
The road does not get any easier for the Blue Devils, who play No. 1 North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Thursday night.
Note: Sherrill Kester and Kasey Truman were named to the all-tournament team. Both scored a goal apiece in Duke's win Friday.
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