SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — Pepperdine overcame a halftime deficit to defeat San Francisco 3-1 on Saturday before 334 spectators. The Waves (11-6-2) scored three unanswered goals after the break to secure the road victory, bouncing back from a midweek loss to Portland.
San Francisco struck first when Konstantina Konidaris converted in the 76th minute, assisted by Kaitlyn Sasadeusz, giving the Dons an early advantage. The hosts controlled stretches of the first half with three corner kicks and multiple scoring chances, but Pepperdine's defense held firm through 45 minutes despite San Francisco's territorial pressure.
Tatum Wynalda equalized for Pepperdine in the 20th minute, assisted by Julia Quinonez, setting the stage for a dramatic second-half turnaround. Wynalda's finish proved pivotal, shifting momentum toward the visitors and energizing their attacking approach.
Julia Quinonez doubled Pepperdine's lead in the 71st minute with an assist from Ariana Salvador, extending the advantage to 2-1. Quinonez added her second goal just two minutes later in the 73rd minute, this time assisted by both Peyton Leonard and Tatum Wynalda, effectively sealing the contest at 3-1.
The Waves dominated the second half with superior shot efficiency, recording 11 shots on goal compared to San Francisco's six. Pepperdine's 15 total shot attempts significantly outpaced the Dons' 14, reflecting the visitors' aggressive second-half strategy. The Waves also won the corner-kick battle 8-3, capitalizing on set-piece opportunities.
San Francisco's Ellie Weissenberg received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 79th minute as frustration mounted during the home team's comeback attempt. Despite late pressure, the Dons could not breach Pepperdine's defense again, with goalkeeper saves proving decisive throughout the match.
Pepperdine's victory demonstrated resilience and tactical adjustment, particularly after conceding early. The Waves' ability to control possession and create multiple scoring opportunities in the second half proved the difference against a San Francisco side that struggled to maintain its first-half intensity.
The result improves Pepperdine's record to 11-6-2