Box Score SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – It was a cold, misty night in San Francisco as the Saint Mary's Women's Soccer team battled the Dons in the final regular season game of the season.
 
After a slow start for both teams, the Dons were able to snatch the only goal of the game late in the first half. Despite the Gaels best efforts, the home team hung on for the victory.
 
TRICKY CONDITIONS
Both teams struggled to connect passes as the ball skipped across the slick turf throughout the opening minutes of the match. 
 
The first chance for the Gaels came in the 9^th minute, as Tessa Salvestrin had an opportunity in front of goal, but the USF goalie was able to smother the ball before the freshman striker could get off a quality shot. 
 
The Dons slowly began to push the Gaels into their own half, as their first chance to test Taylor Poland came in the 15^th minute.
 
Despite USF picking up the offensive pressure, the Saint Mary's midfield duo of Emily Jensen and Emma Barthel battled for every loose ball and header. 
 
Jensen and Barthel's efforts led to a few more chances for the Gaels, as Nayeli Diaz had a great shot blocked in the 26^th minute. 
 
Salvestrin had another shot blocked in the 28^th minute, as the USF keeper found herself off her goal line. Salvestrin connected a left footed shot that was blocked on the goal line by a Dons defender. 
 
CORNER OPENS SCORING
With Saint Mary's unable to capitalize on their chances, USF were able to snatch the lead in the 35^th minute, as they executed a textbook corner. After a great delivery, the USF defender was able to sneak in front of Taylor Poland and deflect the ball into the net, giving the home team the 1-0 lead.  
 
Saint Mary's tried to quickly respond, as Briana Salvetti and Kyllie Glock each forced tricky saves for the Dons defender in the 36^th and 37^th minutes. 
 
The Gaels had another great chance to equalize not long into the second half as Isabella Santavicca received a low cross. She connected with her shot, but again the USF keeper was quick off her line, and smothered the shot. 
 
 NEAR MISSES
As the rainy night wore on, Saint Mary's pushed for the equalizer. The game began to open up, and the Dons nearly put the game to bed in the 65^th minute, as they again threatened the Gaels via a set piece. The USF forward connected on a right footed shot, but scuffed it just wide.
 
The final 15 minutes proved to be a back-and-forth contest, as the Dons and Gaels both searched for the ever-crucial next goal. Taylor Poland was called into action in the 79^th minute, as she made a great left-handed save from a strong USF shot.
 
Saint Mary's had one final chance to even the score, as Brynn Mitchell received a lowed cross in the middle of the box. She connected brilliantly with her left foot, piercing the ball towards the left side of the net. It unfortunately wasn't the Gaels night, as Mitchell's great shot squarely hit the post and bounced out of play. 
 
After an up and down season full of great goals and great saves, the Gaels finished the season 5-6-7 overall in Theresa Romagnolo's third season as head coach of Saint Mary's.