Overtime goal stuns USD

Pepperdine spoils Senior Night with an overtime goal from a penalty kick

Chris Spiering / Sports Editor / The USD Vista

It was Senior Night for the University of San Diego women’s soccer team as they hosted the Pepperdine University Waves (9-6-2, 5-2 West Coast Conference) at Torero Stadium. The Toreros (6-9-1, 2-5 WCC) are winless against the Waves since 2015. It was a hard-fought game for USD as strong defense and goalkeeping kept the Waves scoreless, forcing overtime. 

Entering the game, the Toreros had a home win streak of six games dating back to October 2018. That streak ended as USD was stunned in overtime. The 90 minute game ended in a 0-0 tie, on what seemed like it was going to be a high-scoring game from all the shot attempts. Pepperdine outshot the Toreros 31-4 in regular time. Thirty one shots did not find their way into the back of the net, thanks to redshirt-senior goalkeeper Amber Michel.

Just a few minutes into overtime, the Torero defense was called for a penalty, which allowed the Waves to get a penalty kick to win the game, giving Pepperdine a 1-0 victory due to the WCC’s “sudden death” overtime rules. 

Despite the loss, USD women’s soccer head coach Louise Lieberman was encouraged by her team’s perseverance that evening.

“I’m really proud of their effort,” Lieberman said. “We have been working on being more consistent and they showed that tonight. They showed it against BYU, so two games in a row of really individual and collective consistency and hard work, so I am proud of them because of that.” 

The game started slow in the first 10 minutes, but the pace quickly sped up as Pepperdine kept finding ways to get a shot off. The forwards for the Waves were on the attack all night as they were determined to get out to an early lead. Juniors Joelle Anderson and Brie Welch had some great shots early in the first half for Pepperdine as about four to five shots hit either the crossbar or the post of the goal. The Waves outshot the Toreros 14-1 in the first half, as USD just couldn’t find their offensive rhythm. 

The Toreros did a great job of staying composed throughout the first half. It was clear that Pepperdine seemed to be the better team early on, but that didn’t stop San Diego from continuing to fight. The Toreros couldn’t find a way to get more than one shot off in the first half but their defense kept them in it. 

The story of the night for the Torero defense was the great saves by Michel. When the second half started, Pepperdine was right back where they left off getting closer and closer to a goal. But she wasn’t going to let that happen. In the 49th minute, Michel made a great save on what had seemed to be a wide-open attempt by the Waves player, but she didn’t let it get past her. 

The save of the night came in the 60th minute when Michel was forced to extend her whole body for a diving save. The crowd erupted into cheers when she saved that goal. Even the Pepperdine fan base was getting excited for her. Comments from the Pepperdine fan base included: “That goal keeper is way too good,” and “That goalie is unstoppable.”

Michel was truly unstoppable against the Waves. She had 12 saves that all seemed to be critical, and the Torero defense also made it difficult for the Waves’ offensive attack. 

“I think our defense came out with a 100% focus tonight,” Michel said. “I think everyone got into tackles where they could stop shots and I think everyone wanted to win it tonight.” 

Coming into the game, Michel was already USD’s all-time saves leader during her four years at USD. Her 12 saves on Friday will only add on to her remarkable record and career. 

“I am super blessed by it, honestly,” Michel said. “The coaches have let me be able to play in games to be able to achieve this record and it’s not just me, it’s the team as well. I can’t get these shutouts and saves without them working hard to get these wins, so I am definitely grateful for all of it.”

She reflected on her time as a Torero over the past four years.

“Amazing, I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Michel said. “It has definitely been challenging, but also the biggest reward. From playing with these girls and making relationships, it’s been a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful to be here.” 

The final ten minutes of the second half were electrifying. Both fan bases were getting into it by either cheering at the players or even yelling at the referee for a couple missed calls. It was clear both sides wanted the win badly. 

Both teams just couldn’t find a way to get a shot in the back of the net. The Toreros had one last hope in the final 30 seconds as senior forward Milan Moses shot the ball, but it went right to the Pepperdine goalie. Moses finished with three shots with that last one being the only shot on goal. 

After seven minutes into overtime, the Waves quickly got to the Torero penalty area and attempted a shot but was tripped by the Torero defender, allowing them to attempt a penalty kick for the win. Madi Cook, redshirt-sophomore midfielder for Pepperdine, put the ball in the back of the net for the win.

USD is graduating six seniors and according to Lieberman, every single one of them left their mark here at San Diego. 

“They are phenomenal,” Lieberman said. “They have taken our information and really tried to help build the culture we want here. They are just incredible individuals with great characteristics and leadership and I love them and I am going to miss them.”

The Toreros have one game remaining on their schedule. USD will finish up the 2019 season at the University of Portland on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. The Pilots are 6-5-4 (2-3-2 WCC) on the year. The Pilots defeated USD 4-1 last season. The game will be streamed on the WCC Network via Stadium