Sept. 3, 2017 Final Stats
Box Score 
SAN DIEGO - San Diego has improved its play in every game this season and was rewarded Sunday afternoon with a quality 3-1 victory against Denver.
After a slow offensive start to the season, the Toreros (1-4) exploded for three first-half goals against the Pioneers (3-2-1). The victory is the first as a head coach for Louise Lieberman.
"It feels great," said Lieberman. "We finally broke the seal and we're ready to get a lot more."
It took Kelsi Dantu less than two minutes to get on the scoresheet, scoring on the first shot of the game with a perfectly placed header to the right corner of the goal on a corner kick by Tara Meier. It was Dantu's first goal of the season and gave USD its first lead of the year.
"Our girls have been wanting to get an early goal and working hard for it," said Lieberman. "To get an early goal was a great feeling and a confidence booster."
It took Kelsi Dantu less than two minutes to get on the scoresheet and give the Toreros an early lead.
The lead did not last long, however, as Denver responded in the 17th minute with a nice combination play through the Toreros defense that resulted in a goal by Jessie Dancy.
USD responded immediately in the 18th minute, forcing the ball into its offensive zone and earning a corner kick. Meier curled in another quality cross that was mishit by a Pioneers defender and went into the net as an own goal and put the Toreros up, 2-1.
Summer Mason extended the lead 35 seconds later when she received a through-ball from Mina Ghazizadeh that put her behind the Denver defense and alone with the goalkeeper. Mason blasted a right-footed shot to the near post and into the back of the net to give USD a 3-1 advantage.
"These girls are resilient and they've shown that since the beginning of the season," said Lieberman. "It's all about things coming together and clicking consistently so they can start feeling the result of their resiliency."
Summer Mason led the Toreros with five shots and netted her first goal of the season.
The Toreros defense, which has played well to start the season, continued to do its part and shut down the Pioneers the remainder of the game. The backline - consisting primarily of Courtney Coate, Kelley Carusa, Abby King and Tara Meier - did well to limit Denver's opportunities in the center of the field.
Goalkeeper, Amber Michel, was only asked to make one save but had an excellent game catching and clearing crosses into the penalty box.
"I'm really proud of the girls," said Lieberman. "They've worked hard and I'm glad they get to enjoy this feeling right now."
The Toreros will look to carry its momentum into next Friday's matchup at Long Beach State at 7 p.m. (PT).
