University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score

SAN FRANCISCO—The Dons energy level was higher and it showed as they collected their first shutout since early September and took the 0-0 tie against Gonzaga in West Coast Conference action on Sunday afternoon.
 
"The last couple of weeks we've been giving up a lot of goals and played today in overtime that has beaten Cal Poly, beaten Santa Barbara, beat Wisconsin on the road," San Francisco head coach Erik Visser said. "To get a shutout the team showed a lot more heart and desire today. That part I'm pleased with."
 
This came only two days after the Dons (3-4-2, 0-1-1 WCC) dropped a disappointing contest to Portland in their conference opener and their energy was something Visser concentrated on.
 
"I think after the Friday game I've been very clear with the group that the level of energy and passion was unacceptable in a conference game with so much at stake," Visser said. "The way we came out in the first half was unbecoming a USF men's soccer team."
 
The Dons kept the pressure on Gonzaga (5-2-2, 0-0-2) in the second half and, much like the first half, had teir chances to get on the board. In the 61st minute, Vegard Karlsen fought through two defenders and shot from about 15 yards out but had his shot tipped away by a leaping Ryan Caballero.
 
Caballero, the WCC Player of the Month in September, entered the game having allowed four goals through the team's first eight games.
 
Gonzaga had a chance to strike late when a pass in the 75th minute found Zach Hamer all alone on the left side and his shot from about 25 yards out went over the crossbar. The Bulldogs nearly went on top in the 86th minute but Conner Bevans had his shot go off the crossbar and bounce at the foot of the goal before being cleared by the Dons.
 
Chase Hauser started his third consecutive game and recorded nine saves on the afternoon. It was the team's third shutout of the season and second for the junior goalkeeper.
 
San Francisco went on the offensive in the overtime period. The Dons put three shots on goal in the period and Miguel Aguilar had a shot from the left side go off the post.
 
The Dons also had their chances in the first half. In the 15th minute, Mauricio Diaz De Leon danced through two defenders and beat Gonzaga goalie Ryan Caballero but his shot went high.
 
"I felt Mauricio [Diaz De Leon] had a chance he has to put away," Visser said. "We had a couple of other good looks. At the same token, Gonzaga hit the crossbar with a couple minutes left. I thought bigger chunks of the game we moved the ball pretty well, I thought overall had more possession, dictated the tone."
 
The Dons will continue WCC play this week when they take on Bay Area rivals Saint Mary's and Santa Clara beginning on Wednesday night.
 
Next match
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Opponent: Saint Mary's
Location: Negoesco Stadium
Time: 7 p.m.
Coverage: USFDons.com/live, Live Stats