SAN DIEGO - A record night in net and a hat trick propelled San Diego (6-6-1, 2-2 WCC) to a 3-2 victory on Friday night over LMU (3-9-2, 2-2 WCC). The Toreros remain unbeaten at home in 2019, extending their streak to 5-0.
The first 45 saw an early penalty kick opportunity for San Diego.
Milan Moses capitalized, rocketing the ball past LMU's Sadie Kenny for her first goal of the night in the 22nd minute.
The Lions responded quickly in the 24th off a cross from the left side to tie 1-1.
Kelley Carusa and
Bekah Valdez looked to break through, missing just wide. Both teams fought to maintain possession the rest of the half, as LMU outshot the Toreros only 7-6.
In the second period, both offenses got on the board early with LMU scoring in the 49th minute on a header off a corner kick. Left alone on the near side, Moses answered back in the 50th for her sixth goal of the season.
The 58th minute marked a career milestone for senior
Amber Michel. The San Diego native climbed to the top of the record books collecting her third save on the night, topping Allison Worden (1993-1996) for the career saves mark.
"Amber is so competive, works the extra mile, and her focus and determination are on another level," said head coach
Louise Lieberman. "I'm not surprised she broke it. She has earned every bit of it from day one until now, and I'm so proud of her. She deserves it."
Michel has played 59 games in her career so far for the Toreros, collecting over five thousand minutes of action in net.
The Toreros battled for the next 25 minutes, before Moses broke through again for USD. The midfielder connected off a slow response by LMU's defense to create a breakaway opportunity in the 84th. Moses crossed right, then switched left to find the back of the net and secure her second career hat trick.
"It's a magical moment for her tonight," said Lieberman. "Tonight was a breakthrough and feels good for everyone, including her. We've been working on her mentality and focusing on all parts of her game. I believe that was a piece of it tonight."
San Diego faces a full week of travel up next, taking on San Francisco on Wednesday before heading to Provo to face a ranked BYU.
"The best mentality on the planet is going to be what is needed for next week," said Lieberman. "I have faith that this group will continue to rally and perform at their highest level."
