SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Returning home to Negoesco Stadium after two consecutive road games, the University of San Francisco women's soccer team (2-1-1) got back in the win column on Sunday afternoon by shutting out UC San Diego, 1-0.
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Coming out firing, the Dons registered the game's first shot of the contest just 42 seconds into regulation off the foot of Kaylin Lunsford. Applying the pressure early, USF would tally five shots before the Tritons attempted their first shot of the afternoon in the 20^th minute.
• Following two more shots from Lunsford and Sydney Cooper, the Dons would strike first in the 36^th minute when Marissa Vasquez delivered a beautiful pass to the cutting Samantha Curwood-Wagner inside the box, who then blasted the ball past the diving Triton goalkeeper to give USF the 1-0 lead. At the end of the first half, this goal would stand as the lone point for either team as the Dons remained on top by one at the break.
• Looking to extend their advantage, Lunsford would record three more shots for USF just minutes into the second half, but ultimately was denied by UCSD goalkeeper Kearra Fitzgerald, who made an impressive six saves in the match.
• As the clock ticked down, the Dons would find their rhythm on defense, turning away each offensive attack from USD down the stretch. Buckling down when it mattered most, USF kept the Tritons off the scoreboard in the final two minutes despite two last effort shots from UCSD. Ultimately, the Dons would hang on to secure their second shutout victory of the season while also recording their first win at home this fall. 

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Primarily serving as a defender, Curwood-Wagner scored the first goal of her collegiate career on Sunday. Notably, it was also Vasquez's second assist of the 2021 season and the third overall of her career.
• In goal, Megan Nail capitalized on just her second career appearance by collecting her first saves at the collegiate level. Overall, the Port Orchard, Wash. Native tallied four saves on seven shots faced in 45 minutes of action in the second half.
• As a team, USF outshot the Tritons, 17-9, including an 8-5 mark for shots on goal. 

UP NEXT:
USF will remain in the Bay Area when they travel to No. 10 Stanford next Thursday, Sept. 9 for a matchup with the Cardinal. Set for a 7:00 pm kickoff, the match will be streamed live on the Pac-12 Network at game time. Links for live streaming and live statistics can be found via the team's schedule page.
 
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