University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score

MORAGA, Calif.—San Francisco allowed Saint Mary's to score early and late as the Dons dropped their midafternoon West Coast Conference contest in Moraga 2-0 on Wednesday.
 
"Since the Santa Clara win, the team has competed very well," San Francisco head coach Erik Visser said. "Today I don't think we had the edge. We lacked he urgency we displayed in previous games. Saint Mary's came out very hard, they contested every ball."
 
In the 22nd minute, Christian De Luna send a cross from the right into the box and it nearly found the head of Ryan Eppley but it was knocked away by Saint Mary's defender Alex Braman.
 
Saint Mary's continued to find cracks in the Dons defense but had been unable to capitalize early on until the 28th minute when Braman redirected a shot by Michael Semenza and past a diving Connor Gaal to put them up 1-0.
 
The score was similar to the deflection that gave Loyola Marymount a 1-0 win over San Francisco on Oct. 20.
 
The Dons did not get many looks in the first half and were limited to one shot on goal in the half and it came in the 38th minute when Kyle MacLeod find a small opening but his kick went right into the chest of Lucas Champenois.
 
San Francisco began to show its frustration with the physical play of Saint Mary's and picked up four cards in the second half including two red cards, one of which sent Tyler Sylvia to the locker room in the 49th minute.
 
Shortly after the red card, the Dons got another chance at the goal when in the 52nd minute Vegard Karlsen earned a free kick from about 30 yards out but his shot went high and to the right.
 
San Francisco had another chance in the 61st minute when following a MacLeod shot that gave the team its first corner kick of the match. Mauricio Diaz De Leon's kick went wide and cleared by Saint Mary's.
 
The Gaels then began to take advantage of its man-advantage and put up two shots, both of which went wide. The third time was the charm for Saint Mary's as Semenza scored on a flick from five yards out to give it a commanding 2-0 lead.
 
"I thought the team came out strong in the second half," Visser said. "I think they were adamant to get a good result but when Tyler got the ejection then we go one man down, you are really running behind the eight ball. I think the team is eager to have a good showing on Senior Day."
 
It is the second consecutive loss for the Dons as they enter the final stretch of the season including Sunday's Senior Day against Santa Clara where it will honor their six seniors: Diaz De Leon, Karlsen, Liam Kelly, Tanner Smith, Michael Shaddock and Brady Jimison.
 
Next match
Sunday, Nov. 10
Opponent: Santa Clara
Location: Negoesco Stadium
Time: 1 p.m.