In the first-ever matchup between the two men’s soccer programs, Santa Clara University 4-8-4 (1-3-4) and the University of Denver (4-7-4, 3-1-3) met Halloween night at Stevens Stadium, with the Broncos looking to end their season on a high note.

Seniors Will Wiersdorf ’27, Niv Berkovitz ’27, Itamar Efrat ’27 and Tyler Tipton ’27 were honored pregame for their contributions to Santa Clara soccer, and all received playing time.

With the Broncos already eliminated from the inaugural 4-team WCC playoff, the matchup with Denver marked their final game of the year. Denver sits at No. 3 in the WCC standings with one game left to play.

The match was a defensive battle early, with neither team converting on their chances. Just before halftime, Denver broke the game open off an excellent pass and finish in the 41st minute, scored by Luke Schultz.

It was Denver’s first and only shot on goal in the game.

After the halftime break, Santa Clara got right to work, tying the game in the 48th minute on a long-range strike from senior captain Wiersdorf, his third goal of the year, assisted by Ezana Alemayehu ’28.

The Broncos continued to apply pressure late; Diego Jalleau ’29 led multiple rushes, narrowly missing on several chances. He led Santa Clara with five shots, four after the 76th minute. Jalleau even nearly stole a win for the Broncos after a last-second boot fell just wide.

“By the end, it could have been ours; probably should have been ours,” said head coach Cam Rast on the team’s chances late.

With the loss, the Broncos finish the 2026 season with a disappointing 4-8-4 (1-3-4) record.

“We have a lot we can be proud of, but a lot we wish we still could have accomplished,” Coach Rast said.