MORAGA, Calif. – Sierra Ferreira’s goal in the 87th minute of action lifted the University of San Diego women’s soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 win over Saint Mary’s College Sunday afternoon in a West Coast Conference match.

With the score knotted at 1-1 and time running out, San Diego (9-5-2, 2-1-0 WCC) received a corner kick in the 87th minute of play.  Kelley McCloskey took the corner kick for the Toreros, and Natalie Garcia then rose above all players in a crowded goal box and headed the ball to the feet of Ferreira, who in turn hit a one-timer past the SMC goalkeeper to lift USD to victory.

San Diego wasted no time in scoring as they got on the scoreboard first in the 10th minute of play.  Stephanie Ochs sent a cross to Taylor Housley, who then rocketed off a laser strike from about three yards out to give USD the early 1-0 lead.

The Gaels (7-5-2, 1-2-0 WCC) were able to even things up in the 45th minute, as Briana Campos controlled a pass from Mackenzie Ring and slipped it past USD’s junior goalkeeper Courtney Parsons to move the score to 1-1.

The Toreros were outshot 13-5, but held a slight 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Parsons picked up the win in goal for the Toreros as she allowed one goal and recoded four saves.  Her counterpart, Sarah Peters, was saddled with the loss in goal for the Gaels as she allowed two goals and recorded no saves.

San Diego will return to action on Friday as they host No. 2 University of Portland in a nationally televised match inside the friendly confines of Torero Stadium at 8 p.m.  The game will air live on the Fox Soccer Channel.