MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The 14th-ranked University of San Diego women’s soccer team dropped its first match of the season, a 2-1 decision to the University of Minnesota Sunday afternoon in the championship game of the Minnesota Gold Classic.

 

With the loss, the Toreros saw its four-match winning streak come to an end as they fall to 4-1-0 overall.  With the win, the Gophers improve to 5-1-0.

 

Minnesota struck first, as Shari Eckstrom took a shot from the middle of the box past the Toreros goalkeeper at 53:00 mark to put the Gophers up 1-0. Minnesota’s senior midfielder Molly Rouse made it 2-0 when her header snuck in at 70:31 off a free kick from Katie Bethke.

 

The Toreros then cut the lead in half in the 80th minute, as Brittany Held put back a rebound off a Jackie Zinke shot to put the match at its final of 2-1.

 

The Toreros were outshot 14-5 and the Gophers held a territorial 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.

 

Courtney Parsons was saddled with the loss in goal for the Toreros, as she allowed two goals and recorded seven saves.  These goals were the first Parsons has allowed in three matches.  Her counterpart, Cat Parkhill, was credited with the win as she allowed one goal and recorded three saves.

 

The Toreros will return to action on Friday as they return home to host Dartmouth University in a 7 p.m. non-conference game at USD’s Torero Stadium.