SANTA CLARA, Calif. --- After the game remained scoreless for 81 minutes, Santa Clara's Maddie Gonzalez found the back of the net, and the Broncos would hold on from there to top the Portland Pilots 1-0 in West Coast Conference women's soccer action on Sunday afternoon at Stevens Stadium.
 
The Pilots (9-6-3, 3-4-1 WCC) were solid on defense all game long, but Gonzalez was able to capitalize on a ball sent into the box from Jordan Jesolva. Gonzalez gained possession, avoided a pair of Portland defenders, and finished past goalkeeper Rachel Lusby for the game's only goal.
 
Portland responded by applying heavy pressure in the attacking third of the field during the final minutes. Ellie Boon made a stellar run down the left touchline before driving a cross into the box. Allison Wetherington nearly got on the finishing end of it, but she was unable to get a clean shot off with her left foot from a tough angle.
 
Moments later the Pilots earned a corner kick, but the Broncos (8-6-4, 5-2-1 WCC) cleared the ball out of danger and would hold on for the win.
 
Both teams did well to limit each other's chances during the first half, and Portland freshman Kimberly Hazlett had a shot saved in the sixth minute.
 
Lusby, a sophomore who has five shutouts on the year and an impressive goals against average of 0.53, finished with four saves.
 
The Pilots next wrap up the regular season on the road on Friday night at San Diego. Kickoff for the Pilots and Toreros is set for 7 p.m.