Women’s Soccer Falls to Pepperdine 2-1

The stands were packed with green and gold this past Saturday afternoon in Negoesco Stadium as the women’s soccer team battled in their final season match against the Pepperdine Waves resulting in a 2-1 loss. USF was celebrating senior day during the game, honoring seniors Kelly Pohle, Kristina Hall and Samantha Brand. Even with the loss, the Dons registered their first non-losing season since 2004.

The Lady Dons (7-7-5, 1-6-0 WCC) gave the Waves (11-7-1, 3-3-1 WCC) a run for their money in the first half, as there was much action but the scoreboard remained 0-0. The teams were playing each other well at first, and giving up many opportunities to their opponent. Pepperdine Wave Sophia Medina brought the score to 1-0 thirty-five minutes into the first half with an unassisted, 10-yard goal.  Lady Don goalkeeper Kelly Pohle concluded the match with a total of five saves of the Waves’ total 17 shots.

Molly Hall fired back for the Lady Dons in the 57th minute with an assist from Joan Piasta, blasting the ball from 20 yards away, past Pepperdine’s freshman goalkeeper Roxanne Barker. This was Hall’s third goal of the year, and the only successful one of USF’s four attempted shots of the game. The Dons did well in holding Pepperine for most of the game but they weren’t able to get many shots off.

Both teams fought hard for the lead – but the Waves out shot the Dons 17-4, and in the 78th minute received a penalty kick that brought them to victory. USF sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Garland started the game with one save, before Pohle came into the game to replace her totaling five saves while allowing 2 goals. Pepperdine’s Callie Payetta blasted the ball past Pohle bringing the score to 2-1.  USF tried to tie the game once again and force a tie but they were unable to create the equalizer.

The four total shot attempts were made by a total of three players. Kristna Hall tallied two shots, as Molly Hall and junior defender Ashley O’Brien each tallied one. Although the Dons shot the ball four times, they were unable to get much of them on goal. The Dons only had two shots on goal, one of which they scored.

The Waves tied for fourth in the WCC for the 2009 season, as the Dons finished in sixth place in what was a successful season for USF. This improvement was great for this Dons team because they are young and have shown flashes for improvement in the future. Hopefully the Dons will continue to improve next year but they should be pleased with their efforts this year.