THIS WEEK
Santa Clara (8-6-4, 5-2-1) at San Francisco (7-11-0, 3-5-0)
Saturday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. | Negoesco Stadium   
LIVE STATS | WATCH ON THEW.TV
Complete Game Notes [PDF]
 
The end of a season always tends to be a bittersweet occasion, especially for the seniors eyeing their final games. At 7-11-0 and 3-5-0 in West Coast Conference play, USF wasn't able to replicate the breakout success they experienced last season, but not for lack of commitment from this year's quintet of seniors. The Dons will look to close out the season and send their seniors off on the right note when they host Santa Clara at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. 
 
For the Dons, it will be a chance to post their second win over the Broncos after defeating Santa Clara for the first time in program history last year. And while USF's postseason hopes have faded, Santa Clara (8-6-4, 5-2-1) sits on the periphery of an NCAA Tournament berth heading into the regular season finale. 
 
"I want to win so bad and just enjoy it.," said midfielder Jessica Nakae, whose 79th career appearance this weekend would tie her for the USF career lead. "This is going to be the last time I'll take the field with these people – it's a big moment."
 
As these seniors take a moment to reflect on their time on the Hilltop, last year's win over the Broncos resonates as one of the unanimous career highlights.
 
"That was just an unreal feeling, to know that we'd never beaten them in program history and for us to be the team that did it was just so cool," said midfielder Charlee Garcia. "Everyone was just so ecstatic and I think that propelled us through the rest of the season."
 
The Dons snapped a three-game skid with a 2-1 win over Gonzaga at home this past weekend. One thing is for sure – at 6-1-0 at Negoesco Stadium this year, USF has protected their home pitch, a trend they hope to continue as they close out the year.  
 
"This isn't the season that we wanted," said head coach Jim Millinder. "But those kids have done a great job of getting us where I think is the upper echelon of the WCC. I want the kids to go out on a positive note. I want everyone to go out and give the best possible effort they can. Santa Clara has been a very successful WCC team; that's what we want to mirror our team after. To go out and have an opportunity to beat them this week, we need to play at a very high level and we're quite capable of that." 
 
Regardless of Saturday's outcome, the time for reflection is upon this group of veterans.
 
"I'm going to miss getting ready for games and the whole gameday experience," said forward Amanda Whittle, who has worked her way into a tie for third among USF's all-time assists leaders with 17 over her career.
 
"I'm going to miss being a part of something and creating something," said defender Ali Schaffer, who will also end her career among the top-10 in games played in USF history.
 
"Competing at this level, which is probably the highest most of us will do; that's going to be missed. And also just being a part of something at our school more than just being a student," added Nakae.
 
"How competitive it is and how we support each other through it," said forward Rosie Kerstetter.
 
For USF and its seniors, Saturday's task is a simple one: "To win. To beat Santa Clara again and go out on a good note."
 

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TICKETS: Adult single-game tickets are available to see the Dons on the newly renovated pitch at Negoesco Stadium for just $10. Seniors and recent alumni who have graduated from USF within the past 10 years can acquire seats for $5 per seat. Back by popular demand, USF faculty, staff and students and youth 12 and under enter Negoesco Stadium free all fall. Fans wishing to secure a season ticket can do so at an affordable price of $40 per fall sport.

Returning for the 2016-17 season, fans can acquire an All-Sports Pass, which includes general admission access to over 90 USF sporting events throughout the athletic calendar spanning not only the men's and women's soccer and volleyball seasons but also men's and women's basketball and baseball in the spring at the brand new Benedetti Diamond.

Single-game and season ticket options are available online, or patrons can call the ticket office at 415.422.2USF (2873) for questions or to secure your All-Sports Pass today.