SAN DIEGO – The Toreros' defense impressed on Sunday afternoon as San Diego (4-4-1) fell 1-0 to Utah (5-3-1) to close out nonconference play. San Diego committed only four fouls in the contest, one shy of its season low.
 
After facing eight shots in the first period, the Toreros shut down the Utes in the second 45 holding them to two shots on goal. Michaela Foster, Kelley Carusa and Malia Walencewicz were solid in the backfield, stopping several Utah advances to regain possession for USD. Natalie Copenhaver and Halle Walls helped hold Utah at midfield for a majority of the second.
 
"We definitely improved in the second half, which is what we were looking for them to do" said head coach Louise Lieberman. "I'm proud of them for being able to adjust in that regard."
 
Amber Michel recorded five saves on the afternoon off of 13 shots faced. The senior made a key save in the 31st to punch the ball up and over the cross bar.
 
Utah's Anna Escobedo slipped past an advancing Michel in the 36th to give the Utes a 1-0 advantage at the half.
 
San Diego's offense was potent in the first period with five players recording shots in the half. Carusa, Foster, Milan Moses, and Bekah Valdez tried to breakthrough for the Toreros with one shot on goal each.
 
Freshman Kayla Ngai looked for the equalizer off the right side in the 87th minute recording her first collegiate shot, but it was saved by Utah's Carly Nelson.
 
San Diego will have a break in its schedule before conference play opens up on October 5.
 
"I'll look for us to raise our sharpness in our mentality and the way we want to play going into conference," said Lieberman.
 
The Toreros will take on Gonzaga on the road with kickoff set for 7 p.m. (PT).