SAN DIEGO – The University of San Francisco women's soccer team was held scoreless for just the fourth time this season, as host San Diego defeated USF 1-0 on a goal scored in the 85^th minute of a defensive struggle. 
 
USF (10-7-2, 3-3-2 WCC) could not break through the Torero (8-8-1, 4-4 WCC) back row, as the Dons managed just nine shots on the day with three coming on goal.  Freshman Mia Villegas led the Dons with three shots on the day.
 
In the first half, the Toreros also struggled to find any headway on offense.  The Dons defense limited USD to just three shots in the first 45 minutes.  After the intermission, USD's offense came to life recording five shots but had a hard time mounting any real good looks on the net.
 
Finally, in the 85^th minute following a USF corner kick, the Toreros mounted their one attack of the game.  Senior Summer Mason found a rebound on a USF corner kick and outran the Dons defense going on a long run to the goal and eventually sent the ball past keeper Olivia Camera for the only score of the game.
 
USF had their chances. In the 70^th minute Sydney Cooper, who made her first career start, floated a long pass into the USD territory.  Speedy freshman defender Marie Marlow outran two Torero defenders for the ball and with her right foot flicked a shot on goal that unfortunately sailed just over the cross bar.
 
GAME NOTES

• The Dons have been held scoreless in back-to-back contests for the first time this season.  USF entered Sunday's game with 33 goals on the year.

COACH'S QUOTE
"I thought was a pretty even game all the way around," said head coach Jim Millinder.  "I just think we weren't as good as we could have been in the first half.  In the second half we were a lot better, we pressed them in the second half and we had all kinds of chances.  I thought from their standpoint that USD is a very good team. They are very organized, they have a good sticker.  But at the end of the day you've got to finish your chances and if you don't finish your chances you aren't going to win.  I thought Marie Marlow was very good for us today, the best performer on the field. Mia Villegas was also very good.  It's just disappointing result because now it puts us out of the NCAA tournament.  But we will put in a good week of practice and get ready for Saint Mary's."

 NEXT UP
The Dons will return home for the final regular season game of the year when they host Saint Mary's at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.  Saturday's contest will be Senior Day so get there early to watch the pregame ceremony in which the Dons honor their three graduating seniors.