Box Score
(San Francisco) - Junior Joan Piasta propelled the University of San Francisco women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Loyola Marymount during the first match of the West Coast Conference season. Piasta paced the Dons with a goal and an assist for three total points.
The win marks the second season in a row the Dons have won the opening contest of league play. With the victory, USF improved to 4-8-0 on the season, while LMU dropped to 6-5-1, 0-1-0 in WCC action.
Piasta put the Dons on the board early, tallying a goal at 4:19 to start the game. With the Green and Gold pushing, Piasta connected with a pass from Jaciara Mello on the left side, drilling the ball into the far back corner of the net. It was Piasta's first goal of the season.
The Dons held onto the lead through the half, despite being outshot by the Lions 7-3 in the first 45 minutes. Loyola Marymount finished the match with a 16-9 shot advantage.
At 78:54, Christina Moberg notched the eventual game-winner. Moberg connected off a pass from Piasta to take the LMU goalie on in a one-on-one situation. The sophomore fired the ball into the upper left corner, just past the fingertips of the goalkeeper.
LMU avoided the shutout, late, thanks to a goal from Etajha Gilmer at 84:41. With a cluster in front of the net, the Lions rebounded the ball, multiple times, before Gilmer connected for a shot right off the crossbar, into the net.
San Francisco's Heather Haney earned the win in goal, collecting six saves.
With the women's soccer victory, USF fall sports improve to 7-1 in West Coast Conference play and remain undefeated when playing on the friendly confines of the Hilltop.
The Dons will return to action Sunday as they travel to San Diego to face USD at 1 p.m.
