University of San Francisco Athletics

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MADISON, Wisc.—The Dons began the season with a bang as they got two early goals from Davi Ramos and Danny Kirkland as they were able to fend off a late rally to take down No. 21 Wisconsin 2-1 at the McClimon Complex on Friday night.
 
It marked the first time San Francisco (1-0-0) has beaten a Big Ten Conference team since 2008 when they defeated Penn State 2-1 and the first time the Dons have defeated a ranked team since they beat No. 11 California in 2007.
 
"It's just one game and there is so much more to play for," San Francisco head coach Eddie Soto said. "The guys are starting to believe in themselves in a way I want them to."
 
Ramos scored in his first scrimmage against No. 7 California last week and followed it up with another Friday night. In the 14th minute, the sophomore transfer followed his own shot and drilled his kick into the back of the net to give the Dons an early 1-0 lead, which they took into the halftime break.
 
San Francisco took six shots in the first half while holding the Badgers to two.
 
Just after halftime, it was Kirkland's turn to go on the attack. After a foul on Wisconsin set up a free kick, Kirkland fired from about 40 yards out and beat Wisconsin goalie Adrian Remeniuk high to give USF a two-goal cushion.
 
"We prepared this group for this game," Soto said. "Our tactics, our game plan… we played good soccer. More than anything, we grinded it out. They were throwing everything at us."
 
The Wisconsin attack finally broke through in the 82nd minute when Tom Barlow redirected a kick from Andres Kristensen to make it a one-goal game. This is when Kirkland stepped up again and provided some senior leadership by speaking with his teammates following Wisconsin's goal.
 
"Danny brought them together," Soto said. "It was great to see an older guy come in and make sure we stayed composed."
 
Wisconsin had one final attempt at the goal on a shot by Jacob Brindle but it was blocked as the Dons were able to hold on for the victory. Dons goalkeeper Chase Hauser collected three saves against the Badgers.
 
San Francisco will return to action on Sunday when they take on Illinois-Chicago at 11 a.m. PT.