University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score

SAN FRANCISCO—A late first half goal from San Diego was enough to sink the Dons as they fell 1-0 in West Coast Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
 
"We played well enough to win today, we just gave up a soft goal," San Francisco head coach Jim Millinder said. "The luck will change. We're getting better. I can see it. My eyes tell me what I know and what I know is this program is getting better and we're getting closer."
 
The Dons (5-7-2, 0-3-0 WCC) have not scored in its last six games and have not had a streak of futility this long since 2010 but the offense started to show signs of life against San Diego.
 
San Francisco picked up its intensity in the second half and forced five corner kicks, giving them multiple chances at the goal. In the 65th minute, Mackenzie Krieser attempted a header off a cross from Jessica Nakae but her shot went wide right.
 
The Dons were able to force two straight corner kicks and on one of them Amanda Whittle found Alex Alugas and her shot was blocked.
 
Nakae was on the attack later in the half and in the 70th minute dribbled to the middle of the field past the Torero defenders and shot from the top of the box but it went just over the crossbar.
 
"Nakae was all over the park, maybe the most influential player on the park tday. Alex, she just gets better," Millinder said.
 
"We still got to do a better job of communicating," Millinder said. "We gave up some opportunities because of lack of communication but it takes time."
 
San Diego had its chances in the first half but was unable to capitalize until late in the period. In the 44th minute, Emily Dillon broke free from the USF defenders and her shot from the top of the box went into the right side of the net to give San Diego the 1-0 lead.
 
"It's just that one moment in the game and we always talk about the game is about details and if you don't pay attention to the details, you'll get beat," Millinder said.
 
San Francisco had opportunities to put pressure on San Diego in the first half and nearly did it in the first few minutes. In the third minute, Alugas streaked down the right side and seemed to have a look at the goal but was unable to get a shot off.
 
The Dons attacked the goal more than they had in recent games but it did not result in any additional shots. The Dons were outshot 7-2 in the first half.

Next match
Friday, Oct. 18
Opponent: Pacific
Location: Stockton, Calif.
Time: 7 p.m.