VIDEO: post-game presser
SAN FRANCISCO - The USF women's soccer squad put forth an immense effort against St. Mary's by putting up a 2-0 win against the Gaels on Friday night at Negoesco Stadium.

In just their second night game at home this season, USF (6-8-0) started the game off with tremendous defensive work by midfielder Micaela Mercado, forward Miciah Madison and the rest of the Dons throughout the first half. The amazing defensive work kept the Gaels from getting a shot off until the 40^th minute of the game.

The Dons stayed aggressive on both sides of the ball by getting a penalty kick opportunity by Amanda Whittle, which ended up being USF's first goal of the game.

The Dons came off two heart-breaking road losses this past week, but came into the game with their minds set on a conference win. After this victory, USF is now 4-0 at home this season.

The St. Mary's Gaels (2-9-0) could only settle with 3 shots in the entire first half and got outscored 9-3 by USF. The Gaels had some bright spots with goalie Julia McDonald, who helped the cause for the Gaels by making a few clutch saves for St. Mary's throughout the match.

In the 87^th minute however, the Dons' forward Sonja Giraud booted a 20-yard shot that hit the top right corner of the net to extend the Dons' lead to 2-0 over the Gaels.

USF managed to put up 17 shots by the end of the game while the Gaels could only put up 10 total shots.

UP NEXT: The Dons look to continue their home winning streak by taking on conference rival University of the Pacific at Negoesco Stadium Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.