University of San Francisco Athletics

WCC Game of the Week

Saturday's game

Opponent: Saint Mary's (4-7-0)

Location: Moraga, Calif.

Time: 1 p.m.

Coverage: TheW.tv, Live Stats, Game Notes

 
SAN FRANCISCO—The Dons look to wipe the slate clean on Saturday when they begin West Coast Conference play at long-time rival Saint Mary's in the WCC Game of the Week.
 
DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE
The Dons have been one of the best in the nation in goal prevention. San Francisco entered the week 41st in the nation in goals against average (0.663), which was best in the conference. Sophomore goalkeeper Madalyn Schiffel ranked as 46th in the nation in GAA and 50th in save percentage (.848). Overall, the Dons have allowed more than one goal only twice this season.
 
CASHING IN ON CHANCES
San Francisco had a number of opportunities to score in the first half against No. 11 Cal on Monday night but could not capitalize. This has been a consistent theme in recent weeks where the Dons have scored two goals in the last six games. The Gaels are prone to giving up goals and should provide ample opportunities for USF to get on the board.
 
TOUGH PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The Dons have had a challenging preseason schedule but have come out of it for the better. They had matches against big conference opponents and pulled out some impressive results. San Francisco pulled out a win on the road at Kansas 1-0 and forced a 1-1 tie at Oregon. The win over Kansas was the first over a Big 12 school since 2001.
 
TOURNAMENT ACCOLADES
Jaciara Mello, Halle Bissin, and Ali Schaffer were all named to the Kansas Invitational All-Tournament Team on Sept. 15. The Dons went 1-1-0 in the event.
 
DONS IN THE RANKINGS
San Francisco has received votes for the NSCAA West Region Top 10. The Dons were ranked No. 10 in that poll last week.
 
ABOUT SAINT MARY'S (4-7-0)
The Gaels have had their struggles this season but have been very good at home. Saint Mary's is 3-1 at home this season including wins over New Mexico and Cal Poly. Briana Campos leads the team with four goals on the season. But Saint Mary's has given up plenty of opportunities. The Gaels have allowed 20 goals on 162 shots this season.
 
The Dons won last year's matchup 2-0 in San Francisco.
 
DONS ON THEW.TV
It will be the second time within a week that the Dons will be broadcast live on TheW.tv. This time it will be a league broadcast as the WCC Game of the Week.