Sept. 28, 2011

Box Score

SAN DIEGO - The LMU men's soccer team surrendered a goal midway through each half in Wednesday's WCC opener, falling 2-0 to the University of San Diego at Torero Stadium.

The Lions (2-7-0, 0-1-0 WCC), the preseason favorite to win the WCC, continued to struggle finding their offensive rhythm, dropping their fifth consecutive match. The Toreros, the preseason pick to finish second in conference play, improved to 4-4-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the WCC.

LMU had the first quality shot opportunity just six minutes into the match. Tyler Krumpe worked the ball up the right flank, then slotted a pass to David Ponce. Ponce slipped a lateral pass to Fernando Barba near the top of the box, but Barba's shot attempt was saved by USD goalkeeper Adam Campbell.

Alex Greenman gave the Lions another chance later in the half with a header that went just wide of the goal off free kick from Artur Jozkowicz.

Despite LMU's efforts in the opening half, it was San Diego who struck first. James Cohn put the Toreros on the board in the 29th minute, taking a lofted pass from Dan Delgado and chipping in a shot from the left corner of the six-yard box.

The Toreros doubled their lead in the 66th minute when a pass in the box from Delgado to Eli Galbraith-Knapp brought Jack McCormack off his line. Galbraith-Knapp chipped a pass to Stephen Posa who headed a shot into the empty net from two yards out.

LMU had chances in the second half, including header shots by Dylan Seedman and Connor Hunsicker that both went just wide, but were unable to find the back of the net.

LMU finished with 10 shots, forcing Campbell to make five saves. McCormack had eight saves for the Lions before Max Young took over goalkeeping duties for the final 23 minutes. Young made a pair of saves.

A total of 24 fouls were call in the physical match, including six yellow cards - three for each side.

The Lions look to even their WCC record on Sunday when they return home to Sullivan Field, hosting WCC opponent Saint Mary's at 3 p.m.