SANTA CLARA, Calif.- The University of Portland women’s soccer team lost to Santa Clara, 2-1 in double overtime at Buck Shaw Stadium on Sunday, in a much anticipated rematch of last season’s College Cup Final. Santa Clara got some redemption with the victory and now claims control of the West Coast Conference. Portland (16-3-0, 5-1-0 WCC) snapped a 12-game winning streak with the setback, while Santa Clara (11-3-5, 5-0-1 WCC) can clinch the WCC Championship with a road win over Gonzaga next weekend.

The hard fought match was settled on a bizarre score in the 106th minute. Kristi Candau turned and took a left-footed shot from about 20 yards out. Her attempt skimmed off forward Veronica Zepeda's head, and sailed over freshman keeper Cori Alexander's outstretched arms just inside the right post.

“Not a goal you want to see end such a great match, but it happens,” said Pilot head coach Garrett Smith. “It was an awesome performance by both teams. This was a great environment for our kids to play in, on the road, against a great squad with an excited crowd. I’m very pleased with how we played.”

Santa Clara went up 1-0 in the 24th minute on Leslie Osborne’s 10th goal of the season. Micaela Esquivel took a free kick from the left side and Osborne headed it in for the score.

Portland battled and put four-out-of-six shots on goal through the first 85 minutes, but could not find the net against the Broncos and goalie Julie Ryder. Sophomore scoring sensation Lindsey Huie changed that at the 85:43 mark. Huie beat Ryder high and to the left following a nice pass from defender Kristen Moore. Huie snuck between two Bronco defenders and Moore slotted a touch pass that broke Huie free long enough to unleash her 10th goal of the season. Senior defender Imani Dorsey was also credited with an assist on the play.

“It was good to have the opportunity to come-from-behind,” noted Smith. “We haven’t had to do that at all this season, so it was another good learning experience for our young team.”

Santa Clara held an 11-7 shot advantage, and both teams put five shots on goal. Portland had four corners, Santa Clara did not have any. Huie led the Pilots with four shots, three on goal while Moore and Lisa Sari also had shots on frame. Osborne had four shots for the Broncos.

“There was lots of energy in the stadium,” Smith said. “Both teams were really looking forward to this match and they came away with the win. But this isn’t the one we needed to win, the next one is the one we’ll need to win. We know that and we’ll be ready if that chance presents itself down the road.”

NEXT UP: Portland closes out regular season play at home against San Diego on Sat., Nov. 8 at 1:00 p.m.