IRVINE, Calif. – Senior Matt Stedman (Lockport, N.Y./Lockport) scored his first goal of the season but it wasn’t enough as the Niagara University men’s soccer team (0-3) lost 4-1 to No. 15 Santa Clara (3-0-1) Monday afternoon in the UC Irvine College Classic at Anteater Stadium.

Stedman’s goal came in the 83rd minute when he scored on a breakaway, crossing the ball into the left corner.

The Purple Eagles trailed early in the first half when Amaechi Igwe scored in the four minute mark and Jamil Roberts just over two minutes later in the six minute mark.

Santa Clara took a 3-0 lead in the second period when Jeff Cosgriff scored on a header off a corner kick in the 59th minute. Stedman’s goal cut the lead to 3-1, but Sean Danzeiser scored for the Broncos five minutes later.

Junior Jason Whitehead (Middletown, N.Y.) made five saves in the game.

Niagara returns to action Sept. 13 when it travels to Cleveland, Ohio, to meet Cleveland State for a 7 p.m. match.