VIDEO: Post-game presser
SAN FRANCISCO – The USF women's soccer team got a huge go-ahead goal from junior Sonja Giraud to hold off Florida Gulf Coast for a 2-1 victory to open the season on Friday evening at Negoesco Stadium.
 
After Florida Gulf Coast's Ali Rogers tied the contest with her goal in the 70^th minute, Giraud answered by connecting from around 15 yards out off a nice pass from Camille Wilson in the 76^th minute. 
 
"Sonja was tremendous tonight," said head coach Jim Millinder. "What a nice ball by Camille and a nice spin by Sonja to finish off the final goal."
 
USF (1-0-0) got out to an early lead when Miciah Madison was fouled in the box in the second minute. Amanda Whittle converted the ensuing penalty kick try for a quick 1-0 advantage.
 
"The kids responded great," said Millinder. "You love to go up a goal, but sometimes you can score too early. They're a very good team; they really challenged us tonight."
 
The Dons managed to hold off Florida Gulf Coast (0-1-0) over the next 68 minutes, until Rogers nailed a deep ball from the top of the box that bounced off the crossbar and straight down into the turf, just barely crossing the goal line to tie the game.
 
USF keeper Makayla Presgrave remained busy throughout the night, making seven saves en route to her first career win. She made a nice diving stab early in the first half on a rocket off the foot of Tabby Tindell.
 
The six-time reigning Atlantic Sun Conference champion Eagles came into the night receiving votes in the NSCAA preseason poll, but it was USF who came away with the win in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

UP NEXT: USF hosts UC Riverside at Negoesco Stadium on Sunday with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m.