Toreros lose game and grasp on division

Darren Feeney / Staff Writer / The USD Vista

The University of San Diego men’s soccer team fell to the St. Mary’s Gaels 2-0 in the Toreros’ second West Coast Conference loss of the season. The Sunday loss followed their first WCC defeat by the Santa Clara Broncos. The Toreros have now dropped to 6-7-3 overall and 6-2-0 in WCC play, while the Gaels improve to 4-8-3 overall and 3-3-2 in the conference. The loss now narrows the Toreros’ lead in the West Coast Conference standings.

Gaels’ midfielder Erik Rivas put his team on the board first in the 36th minute of action. Rivas’ shot went past Kelin Briones who attempted to block but the ball hit the back of net to the give the Gaels the advantage 1-0.

In the 66th minute, Yousef Sammy scored the second goal for St. Mary’s, putting the game out of reach. Midfielder Bryan Vandoornick was credited with the assist as he sent a pass to Sammy who lasered a shot past USD’s keeper Briones to hand the Gaels a 2-0 victory.

Despite the loss, San Diego out shot the Gaels 11-9 and recorded five corner kicks to St. Mary’s one. Briones had two saves whereas opponent Jason Badger recorded four saves in the match.

“The game was disappointing, but in a long season like this, slip-ups happen and this was one for us. The injuries made us a little thin in some areas. But for the rest of the season collectively, we are still in first place and things are still in our control; we cannot ask for more than that.” Sophomore Marcus Greer said.

The Toreros plan to put the game behind them as they prepare to refocus their effort to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. followed by another WCC match against the Portland Pilots on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

“We have to put the loss behind us, try to get some guys back from injury and continue our good run that will hopefully lead to our first conference title in eight years and a spot in the tournament,” Greer said.