Nov. 1, 2014 Box Score
MORAGA, Calif. - Freshman defender
Tara Meier's goal in the 82nd minute of action lifted the University of San Diego women's soccer team to a 3-2 win over Saint Mary's College Saturday afternoon in a West Coast Conference match.
With the win, the Toreros improve to 9-7-2 overall, move to 5-3-2 in the WCC and have now won five of their last six matches. With the loss, the Gaels fall to 7-9-3 overall and move to 1-4-3 in the WCC.
The Gaels struck first, as in the 11th minute of action, Samantha Dion tallied her first goal of the season, after corralling a pass from Hannah Diaz, and was able to sneak the ball past USD's defense and into the back of the net to give SMC a 1-0 lead.
The Toreros then found themselves back on even terms while the Gaels in the 18th minute of action. Nikki Pappalardo sent a pass to Jacqueline Altschuld, and she crossed the ball to Jaycee Birtcher, who then stuck the ball into the back of the net from close range for her second goal of the season to move the score to 1-1.
Then in the 64th minute of action, Birtcher tallied her second goal of the match. Pappalardo was again on the helping end of this one, as she sent a pass to Birtcher, who in turn found the back of the net from 10 yards out to give USD a 2-1 lead.
As time was winding down, the Gaels managed to tie things up in the 78th minute of action. Valarie Laforge drove the ball into the box, and sent a cross to Vicki Himkus, who then put it away from eight yards out to move the score to 2-2.
Just three minutes later, Tara Meier was able to score the game-winner, as she fired off a shot from 20 yards out, after a corner kick has been deflected right to her, to give USD the 3-2 win.
Both teams were even with six shots apiece, while USD held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
McKenna Tollack was credited with the win in goal for the Toreros, as she allowed two goals and recorded no saves. Her counterpart, Stephanie Busch, was addled with the loss in goal for the Gaels, as she allowed three goals and recorded one save.
The Toreros will return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m., as they conclude the regular season with a WCC match against Loyola Marymount.
