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USF Loses a Close One at Home
(San Francisco) - On a cold and damp evening in San Francisco, the USF Dons (7-4-3; 1-1-0) squared off against the #25 ranked University of San Diego Toreros (8-6-1; 2-0-0) in tightly contested WCC match at Negoesco Stadium. USF fell behind early and despite a spirited comeback were unable to pull even as they ultimately lost the contest by a 2-1 margin. The loss represents USF's first defeat in five games.Thirty-four seconds into the game, San Diego forward Michelle Rowe was able to break free from the Dons defense as she found herself all alone with only USF goalkeeper Stephanie Beall to beat. Rowe accurately unleashed a booming shot that sailed past the far side of the Dons net as USD pulled ahead 1-0. The Toreros goal broke a streak of three consecutive shutouts for San Francisco and their goalkeeper Stephanie Beall.
USF was able to regain their composure after allowing the early goal and they played the Toreros evenly through remainder of the game. The shots total reflect just how close this contest was, as USD out shot USF by an 11-10 margin.
In the second half, USD was able to get some breathing room for a short time as sophomore forward Veronica Ambort headed in a corner kick at the 54th minute to push San Diego out in front by a 2-0 score. The goal was Veronica's second of the season.
The San Diego goal proved to be a wakeup call for the Dons, as USF was able to re-group and begin to mount a stronger counter attack. Their determined efforts were rewarded in the 62 minutes as sophomore forward Chelsea Hunt was able to connect from 20 feet out and score USF's first goal of the game. For Hunt, the goal represented her seventh of the season, which puts her in first place in both goals scored and overall scoring at USF.
With the clock winding down San Francisco made a strong push for the tying marker, but their efforts proved fruitless as San Diego was able to suffocate the Dons offense, and the Toreros were able to hold on to preserve the 2-1 win.
Head Coach Pamela Kalinoski had this to say after the game, "I think we played really well tonight. For us to bounce back after allowing the early goal is a testament to the resolve of this team. In terms of the WCC standings, we are still in good position and we just need to continue working hard. I have full confidence that good things lie ahead."
USF will have a chance to bounce back as they play host to #14 ranked Santa Clara this Sunday at 1:00 at Negoesco Stadium.
