The Santa Clara’s men’s soccer team enjoyed another successful season, finishing with a 16-4-4 record that included an appearance in the 2003 College Cup, a 5-1-0 league mark, and a ninth West Coast Conference championship.
Head coach Cameron Rast was named the league’s 2003 Coach of the Year, becoming the first person ever to win individual playing and coaching honors in league history. He was twice named the WCC’s Defender of the Year during his playing days.
In addition to Rast’s accolades, Will Weatherly, Steve Cronin, and Ryan Cochrane all earned All-WCC first-team honors. Freshman Erik Ustruck garnered second-team all-league accolades. Sophomore Kelechi Igwe earned a spot on the All-WCC honorable mention squad.
The Broncos advanced to the NCAA tournament for the 14th time and were among the final four teams, despite playing most matches without Cochrane and Cronin, who left the team due to commitments with the U.S. Under-20 National Team that participated in the FIFA World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates.
The Broncos dropped a 1-0 double-overtime match to eventual champion Indiana at the College Cup in Columbus, Ohio. The women’s soccer team was ranked third in the country when its season ended with a 3-0 loss to top-seeded and undefeated North Carolina in an NCAA quarterfinal match.