Men’s soccer ties UCLA: still looking for first win

Darren Feeney / Staff Writer / The USD Vista

The Toreros (0-5-3) could have scored their first victory of the season Thursday night while head coach Seamus McFadden could have attained his 300th career victory. Instead, the men’s soccer team wrapped up the final leg of a three-game home stand at the Torero Stadium tying University of California Los Angeles (2-3-2) 1-1 in double overtime. It was the second double-overtime match in the last three meetings for the men’s soccer team and their third of the season.

A lack of offensive possession in their own third of the field has plagued the Toreros so far but a change in formation, offensive scheme and player personnel resulted in a more potent offensive attack, causing the Toreros to out shoot the Bruins 17-11.

Slow starts have hindered the Toreros in previous matches which was once again evident in this game. Just seven minutes into the game, UCLA’s Michael Stephens gave the Bruins an early advantage as a potential goal was headed away by USD defender Corey Norris but deflected off Bruin midfielder Christian Vazquez right to Stephens who fired a low screamer into the back of the net.

USD responded before halftime by a 40th minute equalizer by Andrew Feld. Teammate Brandon Kelley found a cutting Feld at the top of the penalty box. With three UCLA defenders in the vicinity, Feld weaved his way through and sent off a deep shot from 25 yards which found nothing but nylon.

A physical second half ensued a scoreless 45 minutes, but the Toreros had more looks at goal, recording eight shots between the frames. The highlight of the second half came in the 65th minute in a rampant turn of events. Feld was tackled from behind inside the penalty box by a Bruin defender but the official thought otherwise. A mere 10 seconds later, UCLA’s Eder Arreola was given a yellow card on a tackle that was not quite as vicious as the former. Following the free kick, a go-ahead goal by JT Howlan was called off by the linesman due to a USD player being offsides.

USD junior defender Ryan Peterman turned in a fantastic effort all evening long. Peterman was flawless on the defensive end of the field and sent one of many useful crosses into the goal box in the 89th minute, which almost sent Toreros fans home with a victory.

Neither team was able to produce in extra frames but the Toreros out-shot UCLA 4-1.

The Toreros will be out of action this weekend as they prepare for West Coast Conference play. They take on St. Mary’s (1-1-6) Friday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. in Moraga, Cali.