Oct. 1, 2010

Box Score

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - LMU got the 2010 West Coast Conference campaign off to a winning start as freshman Christian Alvarado's first career goal lifted LMU to a 1-0 victory over San Francisco Friday night at Negoesco Stadium in San Francisco. The win keeps the Lions (5-3-1, 1-0-0 WCC) unbeaten in their last three games while winning their second straight WCC opener against the Dons (2-5-1, 0-1-0 WCC) and their first game in San Francisco since 2004.

In contrast to the three previous corresponding fixtures between the teams, which featured a combined 18 goals, this one was more of a defensive battle, with the teams combining for 22 shots. LMU held a 13-9 shot advantage but it was Alvarado's strike 30 seconds from halftime that proved the difference.

A goalless first 44 minutes turned in the final 30 seconds of the half when Alvarado conjured something out of nothing. Following a shot by USF's Tanner Smith that went wide, the ball ended up at the other end. Alvarado was gifted a pass from the Don defense and beat USF goalie Brendan Roslund on a breakaway one-on-one to the far post.

That would be all the Lions would need as they improved to 3-0-1 this season when leading at halftime. Junior Jack McCormack preserved the lead by making all four of his saves in the second half for his third shutout of the season.

Despite USF pushing forward for the equalizer, it was the Lions who had more shots, 9-6, in the second half, drawing five saves out of Roslund. LMU gained an added advantage 10 minutes from time when USF's Bryan Burke was sent off.

The victory was the first for the Lions at Negoesco Stadium since downing the Dons 2-1 in overtime in 2004 and just the program's third win in San Francisco overall. It was also the first win in a road opener since beating Gonzaga 2-1 in 2005.

LMU has gone 3-3-1 thus far on its eight-match road trip. The Lions close out the trip on Sunday when they visit Saint Mary's for a 2 p.m. kick-off.