Early deficits hurting men

By Chad Alves

Although the men's soccer team put an end to its first losing streak of the season, they suffered through another disappointing outing on Sunday, tying rival Saint Mary's in Moraga. The 1-1 game against the Gaels was the Broncos' third straight winless outing after earning victories in their first 11 contests of the season, which at the time shot them to the top of the nation's rankings.

Santa Clara played a solid game, as they battled the Gaels to the low scoring tie. However, the Broncos did fall victim to one of their more recent and worrisome habits: They fell behind early in the game. Saint Mary's took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal that put the Broncos at yet another quick disadvantage.

A goal on a throw-in by sophomore Justin Canel late in the first half ricocheted off of Gael defenders at the goal and found the back of the net for the Broncos' lone goal.In four of their last six contests, including the last three in a row, the Broncos have fallen behind early by surrendering a first half goal. With the exception of their remarkable win against Clemson, the Broncos have not been able to overcome these early deficits they have been faced with to win those games against the University of San Diego, UC Berkeley and now Saint Mary's.Santa Clara will look to right the ship this weekend at home on Saturday against Portland, another West Coast Conference rival. The game will give the Broncos a chance to earn their first victory in over three weeks, and an opportunity to prove that they still are one of the best soccer teams in the country.