Aug. 18, 2017
SAN DIEGO -- Amber Michel highlighted a strong San Diego defensive effort that fell just short in the season-opener as the Toreros dropped a 1-0 double-overtime decision to Virginia Tech on Friday night at Torero Stadium.
The Hokies', Alani Johnson, finished a near-post opportunity from just inside the left side of the penalty box in the 109th minute to claim the late victory.
It was a tough result for the Toreros (0-1), which weathered disadvantages in shots (11-4) and corner kicks (13-1). Despite the offensive pressure applied by Virginia Tech (1-0), USD's defense played well and kept them off the board for nearly the duration of the contest.
Michel was particularly impressive, making five saves and snagging crosses throughout the match. She made back-to-back stellar stops in a seven-minute span late in the second half.
With the score knotted at 0-0 in the 75th minute, a Virginia Tech player was left alone with the ball on the right post about 10 yards out. Michel came off her line and redirected the shot away from goal.
Michel's best save of the game came in the 82nd minute when she was able to get her fingertips to a hard shot headed to the top right corner of the goal.
The Toreros defense, anchored by centerbacks Abby King and Tara Meier, held firm throughout the contest and did well to force Virginia Tech's attack out wide and away from the front of the goal.
Summer Mason and Kelsi Dantu generated a majority of USD's offensive opportunities. Both played with pace and had success at times getting behind the Hokies backline.
The duo nearly converted in the 84th minute when Dantu slipped a pass through a seam to an on-coming Mason who fired a quality shot on frame. Virginia Tech's goalkeeper, Mandy McGlynn, was there to make her only save of the night.
The Toreros will look to rebound Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (PT) when it plays host to Texas A&M at Torero Stadium.
