Oct. 24, 2010

Box Score

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LOS ANGELES - A 15-3 edge in shot attempts was not enough to aid LMU in a scoreless draw with visiting San Francisco on Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Field. The tie leaves the Lions (9-5-2, 1-2-2 West Coast Conference) sitting in a tie for fifth place in the WCC standing on five points with two matches remaining.

As has been the case in the last decade against the Dons (4-12-2, 0-3-2 WCC), the Lion defense was stellar, holding the visitors to just three shot attempts, the lowest total by an LMU opponent this season. In fact, the LMU defense was so dominant, redshirt freshman goalkeeper Brittany Jagger was not even called upon for any saves in notching her eighth shutout of the season, pushing her into a tie for third place on LMU's single-season record list. It was LMU's 13th consecutive shutout against the Dons, who haven't penetrated the LMU goal since 1997.

It was the same story at the other end, however, as the Don backline held the Lions goalless for just the fourth time this season. LMU did have its chances, starting with senior Nickey Ha's volley in the third minute that flashed wide. Freshman Tawni Martino brought the first of three saves out of USF goalie Noelle Salter in the 22nd minute but that would be the closest either side would come to breaking the deadlock in the opening period.

The second half was all LMU as the hosts outshot the Dons 8-0. Martino was involved again on the hour mark when she went tumbling in the box but LMU's shouts for a penalty went unanswered. In the final seconds, the Lions won a free kick just outside the USF penalty area on the left side. Junior Brittney Sanford touched it to sophomore Rachel Fell, who stung a low curling shot toward the near post but Salter ranged over to smother it and send the game into overtime.

LMU's best two chances in the first overtime came within seconds of each other when senior Kelley Lawson got in around the back of the defense, yet her shot skidded off her right foot and sailed wide. Salter's ensuing goal kick was a poor one and senior Julie Gallaudet collected and split the defense on the left, only to find the side netting.

USF had a chance of its own in the second extra period when LMU was pushing forward. Molly Hall collected a clearance and curled her pass on to the run of Lauren Maris, who was bearing down unabated on Jagger. In an effort to line up her shot, she slowed down just enough for freshman Etajha Gilmer to track back and slide in with a game-saving tackle.

LMU heads back out on the road for the final time in 2010 next week, visiting #11 Santa Clara on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Lions return home for the regular season finale against San Diego on Friday, November 5.