Opponent: at Nevada
Game time: 7 p.m.
2012 Record: 7-10-3
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SAN FRANCISCO - The Dons are set to open the season and will hit the road to take on the University of Nevada on Friday night.
"It's an exciting time for everyone at this point," USF head coach Jim Millinder said. "Everyone in America is optimistic about their changes. We're no different."
The Dons have won two straight matches against the Wolfpack, including a 2-0 win last season at Negoesco Stadium with goals from Kristen Vasquez and Mackenzie Krieser.
"The slate is clean," Millinder said. "The result last year doesn't mean anything. We have to be ready to play."
Krieser's goal was part of a stretch where the junior midfielder found the back of the net in four of five matches, including a two-goal performance against Sacramento State. Goalkeeper Madalyn Schiffel picked up five saves in the match, one of her three shutouts on the season.
It will be the first collegiate match for the Dons' seven freshmen, who Millinder is excited to see play.
"They're doing well," he said. "My expectations of that freshman class are high and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do."
One of the key returners for Nevada is junior Chrisalyn Fonte, who led the team with five goals in 2013.
Nevada was picked to finish eighth in the Mountain West preseason poll and bring in a youth team with 13 underclassmen. Some of that youth is in the goalkeepeing core where the two vying for playing time have combined for one collegiate start.
The opener is a precursor to a four-match homestand for USF, which includes matches against San Jose State and Harvard.
