Aug. 22, 2008
Box Score
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The defending national champion and top-ranked University of Southern California Trojans scored a goal in the 93rd minute to sneak away with a victory over the 25th-ranked University of San Diego women's soccer team Friday evening in the season opener for both teams at Torero Stadium in front of an announced crowd of 1,503.
Just three and a half minutes into the overtime period, USC's Marihelen Tomer took advantage of a defensive misplay by the Toreros, and slipped the ball over the head of the Toreros senior goalkeeper Brittany Cameron on a chip shot to lift the Trojans to victory.
San Diego looked extremely impressive in their season debut, as they went toe-to-toe with the defending national champs forcing an overtime period. In the first half, the Toreros dominated the time of possession and outshot the Trojans 6-3.
San Diego had one of its best scoring opportunities come in the 35th minute of action as Jackie Zinke took a corner kick for USD, and bowed the ball into the middle of a crowded goal box. Junior midfielder Christine Mock then rose above all players and headed the ball with authority towards the goal, but USC's goalkeeper stretched her body as high a she could and just got her hands on it to prevent the goal.
The Toreros also had another good scoring opportunity come in the 84th minute, when Elissa Magracia rocketed off a shot, that was saved by the USC 'keeper to preserve the scoreless contest.
The Trojans also had several good scoring opportunities not go their way as in the 77th minute of action, Ashli Sandoval hit a laser strike towards the USD goal, but Cameron made a great play on the ball and prevented it from hitting the back of the net.
The Trojans outshot the Toreros 9-5, but San Diego held a 5-3 advantage on corner kicks.
Cameron was saddled with the loss for the Toreros in goal as she allowed one goal and recorded three saves. Her counterpart, Kristin Olden, was credited with the win in goal for USC, as she allowed no goals and had three saves.
The Toreros will return to action on Friday as they head to Santa Barbara for a 5 p.m. showdown with the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara.
