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Tomer Hits Overtime Game-Winner For USC
Aug. 22, 2008 SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - The No. 1 USC women's soccer team emerged victorious in San Diego in an overtime battle with the No. 24 Toreros. Thanks to junior Marihelen Tomer's sixth career game-winning goal - good to jump her to No. 9 all-time at USC in game-winners - the defending national champs opened their 2008 campaign with a hard-fought road win. The Women of Troy - absent Olympic gold-medalist Amy Rodriguez - had two familiar faces back in the lineup after season-ending injuries suffered in 2007. On the back line, Meagan Holmes resumed her position as a central defender, while Nini Loucks got back to action in the midfield. Both had strong outings for the Trojans. Three newcomers also saw time in USC's season opener, as freshmen Carly Butcher, Ashley Freyer and Brittany Kerridge all got good minutes in their USC debuts. San Diego had the offensive edge in the first half, out-shooting the Trojans 6-3 in a scoreless first period. USC mounted a stronger attack in the second half, evening up the shot count 8-8 by the end of regulation. One shot attempt in overtime was all the Women of Troy would need, however. With the ball played high by Ashli Sandoval to the Torero back line, the San Diego center back misplayed the clear at the top of the box. Tomer was there to gather in the loose ball, and with USD goalkeeper Brittany Cameron well off her line, Tomer made a smart chip over Cameron and into the net to ice the game in the 94th minute as a 1-0 overtime with for USC.
The Trojans return to action with another road trip, this one to Portland next weekend. USC first visits Portland State for a 7 p.m. match on Saturday (Aug. 30), and then faces Portland at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 1). USC 1, USD 0 (OT1) SCORING: SAVES: Kristin Olsen (USC) 3, Brittany Cameron (USD) 3. CORNER KICKS: USC 3, USD 5. |
