Sept. 12, 2008
Box Score
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Senior striker Amy Epsten's goal in the 77th minute of action, lifted the 23rd-ranked University of San Diego women's soccer team to a thrilling 3-2 win over La Salle University Friday evening in a non-conference match at Torero Stadium.
With the win, the Toreros improve to 4-2-0 overall and have won their fourth consecutive match. With the loss, the Explorers fall to 3-2-0 overall.
With the score knotted at 2-2, Epsten was able to corral a pass from freshman forward Elissa Magracia, and punched it past the La Salle goalkeeper to give the Toreros the final goal they would need to complete the come-from-behind victory.
La Salle struck first, as in the fourth minute of action, Heather Steadman centered a pass to Melanie Gamble, who in turn snuck one past USD's freshman goalkeeper Courtney Parsons to give the Explorers a early 1-0 lead.
Two minutes later, the Toreros found themselves back on even playing ground with La Salle, as junior midfielder Hallie Huston, fed the ball to freshman Stephanie Ochs, who dribbled the ball into the goal box and launched a laser strike past the La Salle goalkeeper for her second goal of the season, and tied things up at 1-1.
Just before the end of the first half at the 39:06 mark, La Salle again took the lead as Erin Brennan crossed the ball to Dana O'Brien, who rocketed off a shot from 35 yards out into the the far corner of the goal to give the Explorers a 2-1 lead going into the break.
At the 66:29 mark, the Toreros received a corner kick and junior defender Natalie Vinti took the kick for USD. Vinti bowed the ball to the top of the box, where Magracia was there to punch the one-timer into the back of the net to again even things up at 2-2, which then set the stage for Epsten's second game-winner of the season.
The Toreros out shot the Explorers 25-7 and held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Senior Brittany Cameron was credited with the win in goal for the Toreros, as she allowed no goals and recorded two saves. Her counterpart, Melissa Sanger, was saddled with the loss for the Explorers as she allowed three goals and recorded 11 saves.
The Toreros will return to action on Sunday as they head to Bakersfield to take on Cal State Bakersfield in a 6 p.m. non-conference match.
