Gonzaga University
USC
Zags Season Ends in NCAA Tournament
11/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Nov. 11, 2005
FULLERTON, Calif. - The 18th-ranked Gonzaga University women's soccer team saw its record-setting season come to an end in the first round of the NCAA Women's Soccer College Cup tournament with a 1-0 loss to the University of Southern California Friday evening at Titan Stadium.
With the loss the Bulldogs conclude the season with a program-best 12-4-4 record and the Trojans improve to 13-5-2.
The 16th-ranked Trojans broke the scoreless contest in the 48th minute when Leah Gallegos controlled a cross from Lindsay Parker. Gallegos then redirected the nicely placed cross with her head past Gonzaga's senior goalkeeper Ashley Haugen for the match-winner.
The two teams battled through a tough first period with each team having their opportunities to get on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs had a golden scoring opportunity in the 14th minute when Christine Soma was able to slip behind the Trojans defense putting a good three-yards between her the USC defenders. The sophomore striker then sent a cross to sophomore forward Cristin Leverson who hit a rocket shot at the USC goal, but the ball went over the top of the cross bar to preserve the scoreless contest.
Freshman midfielder Lauren Dascenzo also had a good scoring opportunity for the Bulldogs in the 43rd minute. Dascenzo hit a laser strike off of a deflection the USC goalkeeper made, but the ball was to high as it flew over the cross bar.
Haugen, who allowed her first goal since the 2-0 loss to the University of Portland on Oct. 9, recorded three saves in the loss, while her counterpart, Veronica Simonton, allowed no goals and recorded three saves in the win for the Women of Troy.
"I was really proud of our players today," said head coach Shannon Stiles. "I feel that we have made a huge step forward with our program, and I think that we were extremely prepared for this match. I was a little worried about the first 15 minutes, because usually that is when all the nerves come out as each team is trying to get over the excitement of playing in the playoffs. I feel we played great soccer all season long, and tonight was no different."
The Bulldogs completed the season setting several program firsts. The Zags set a single-season record for wins with 12, most consecutive wins with seven, most shutouts 11, highest placing in the West Coast Conference at third and made their inaugural appearance in the NCAA postseason.
The Trojans will play the winner of the Cal State Fullerton and UNLV match on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Titan Stadium to see who will advance on to the Sweet 16 round of the Women's Soccer College Cup.
