SAN FRANCISCO — Autumn Smithers' first goal of the season came just in the knick of time Sunday for the San Francisco women's soccer team. It wasn't the very last second -- but nearly was.

The Dons used almost every second on the clock Sunday before clinching a victory over visiting New Mexico, as Smithers put in the game-winning goal with just seven seconds left in double overtime to give USF its third straight win with a thrilling 2-1 double overtime triumph over the Lobos at Negoesco Stadium.

With less than 20 seconds left in double overtime, San Francisco (5-1) gained possession of the ball and gave it one more go on offense to get it inside the box and possibly win the game. Miciah Madison dribbled all the way down the right sideline to the corner before crossing the ball low inside the box. New Mexico goalkeeper Emily Johnson broke up the cross but could not corral the ball. That's where Smithers came flying in, striking the loose ball with her right foot to bury it in the net and give the Dons a 109th-minute victory.

San Francisco and New Mexico (2-3) began Sunday afternoon's matchup physically as both teams collected 14 fouls solely in the first half. USF totaled 13 shot attempts with at least six different Dons aiming to score - Madison led with five attempts - as New Mexico only got off four shots. The Dons gave Lobos 'keeper Johnson a test with six saves in the first 45 minutes.

Minutes before the end of the first half, Bianca Coad sent the ball to the top of the box to start the Dons' first scoring play of the day. Bethan Parry gave it a quick tap in the air over to Ashley Humphrey, where she struck the ball from 18 yards out to put San Francisco on the board, 1-0, in the 42nd minute.

New Mexico's determined offensive attack finally broke through to tie the match at 1-1 after halftime in the 56th minute. Alesia Garcia evened the score on a header goal just in front of the net. She played the ball in the air off a tap from Jessie Hix, who touched it towards Garcia off of Jennifer Muñoz's free kick all the way from midfield.

HEAD COACH QUOTES

"Our first half wasn't the first type of half that we wanted to play, but credit New Mexico. They were a difficult opponent on the day. In the second half we came out and played better with more energy. In the OT periods we created more opportunities. I was just wondering if the ball was ever going to roll across the line, and it finally did with seven seconds left. Through the second half and the overtime it was a complete team effort." -- Jim Millinder, USF Head Coach

GAME NOTES
- Humphrey and Smithers each scored their first goals of the season.
- This was the first double overtime game that the Dons competed in this season.
- USF tallied a season-high 31 shot attempts, including 12 on goal.
- Both teams combined for 36 fouls. No cautions were issued in the game.
- New Mexico's Johnson recorded 10 saves, and the Dons' Molly Eby  had five.

COMING UP
San Francisco will travel to the Midwest this week to take on Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on Friday and Sunday, respectively.