Peay’s Hat-Trick Leads UW Past Santa Clara, 4-1

SEATTLE – Washington cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Santa Clara Broncos on Tuesday night at Husky Soccer Stadium, as senior defender Taylor Peay netted his first career hat trick and senior Michael Harris had two assists.

Peay’s three-goal performance was made all the more impressive as all three goals came in the first half. The Huskies (2-0, 0-0 Pac-12) netted two header goals in the match’s first seven minutes and added a third in the 24th minute.

“He [Peay] went looking for balls. He was hungry,” Clark said. “But the thing was, not just scoring goals, he anchored and led our back. He won balls. He passed out of the back. That was the best game Taylor’s played – aside from the goals – since he’s been at Washington. So you add three goals in, he’s never had a game close to that.”

The Huskies earned their first goal on a trademark Michael Harris flip-throw in the 3rd minute that was redirected by Peay past the Broncos (0-2, 0-0 WCC) keeper. In the 7th minute, Peay headed in a cornerkick from freshman Justin Schmidt.

Harris’ flip-throw is a unique weapon that puts the Huskies in good position to get a goal from almost anywhere on the field.

“It was good by the team,” Peay said. “It’s fun when we come and we’re ready for a game, especially with Harris’ throw… It gives us a huge advantage, so it’s good whenever we can use it.”

In the 24th minute, Schmidt connected on another flip-throw from Harris. Peay netted his third goal in the 44th minute on an assist from senior Brad Jacobson. The Broncos finally got on the board when freshman defender Parker Holland found the back of the net in the 80th minute.

The Huskies improved to 10-6-1 all-time against Santa Clara, and avenged a 3-2 loss to the Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, the last meeting between the two schools.

The Huskies next host the Portland Pilots at Husky Soccer Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m.