SAN DIEGO - San Diego men's soccer coach
Brian Quinn is a history buff.
"Especially Irish history," said the Belfast-born Quinn.
In his first season as the Toreros' head coach following 11 years as an assistant to
Seamus McFadden, Quinn is now honoring USD's four-decade soccer history. It was Quinn's idea to select an all-time USD men's soccer team, and at halftime of Friday night's showdown against rival San Diego State at Torero Stadium, the San Diego Men's Soccer 40th Anniversary Team will be recognized.
"It's nice to reflect of what Seamus started and all the guys who went through the program," said Quinn, tipping his hat to McFadden, who started USD's soccer program and served as head coach for 39 years.
"I went to those game when I was playing (for the San Diego Sockers and U.S. national team) in the 80s and early 90s. I know a lot of those guys who played. Then I coached some of them. I have a connection to those guys."
The Toreros are calling the squad the Starting XI. After taking nominations from fans on USDToreros.com, McFadden, Quinn and assistant coach Mike "Nico" Nicholson selected the Starting XI.
McFadden admits the process was difficult.
"At first I was a little hesitant, afraid we might ruffle some feathers," said McFadden. "We probably left some deserving people out."
One factor played a key role in selecting the team.
"The big measuring stick was how successful the team was (during a player's career)," said McFadden.
So it's hardly stunning that six members of the Starting XI played on the 1992 squad that advanced to the NCAA Division I championship game against Virginia.
"The ceiling was set very high with that team," said McFadden.
The Startling XI includes a goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards.
Leighton O'Brien, who played at USD from 1995 through '98, was selected as a midfielder.
"You kind of go back in time, don't you," said O'Brien, 42, who lives in Seattle and runs a youth soccer program. "That was a few moons ago. But you go back, remember those Friday night games, remember the travel, remember the people you met and played with. It makes you realize you put in a lot of good work for the university."
Chris Duke played at San Diego from 1985 through '88 and was also selected as a midfielder.
"It's an honor because of all the talent that has gone through that school," said Duke, 50, whose son, Christian, also played at USD. Like O'Brien, Duke is still involved in the game. He's the Midwest general manager for U.S. Youth Soccer.
Here's the breakdown of the San Diego Men's Soccer 40th Anniversary Team
Scott Garlick (1990-93) Goalkeeper – Garlick was the starting keeper on the '92 team that advanced to the NCAA finals. He went on to play 11 seasons in the MLS, appearing in 248 games.
Tony Da Luz (1981-82) Defender – Da Luz followed McFadden's footsteps and has become a renowned college soccer coach. He's now in his 22nd season as Wake Forest's head women's soccer coach. The Demon Deacons have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 18 of Da Luz's previous 21 seasons.
Julian Ringhof (2012-14) Defender – The German-born Ringhof is the youngest player on the Starting XI. Professionally, he played for Rochester in 2015 and Arizona United in 2016. Both teams are in the United Soccer League.
Roger Lindqvist (1992-94) Defender – McFadden recalls receiving a letter in the mail from Lindqvist about his interest in USD. The letter passed a few times zones, considering Lindqvist lived in Sweden. McFadden flew to Europe, drove seven hours round trip to watch Lindqvist play, was impressed and the Swede wound up at San Diego. With Lindqvist heading the back line and Guillermo Jara putting balls in the net as freshmen, McFadden had the key components for the Toreros' run to the 1992 NCAA championship game.
Trong Nguyen (1987-90) Defender – The Toreros' record during Nguyen's four years at Alca'la' Park: 52-24-10. Nguyen earned second-team All-American honors his senior season.
Toby Taitano (1990-93) Midfielder – Taitano is USD's fifth all-time leading scorer with 81 points on 17 goals and 47 assists. He played three seasons in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, two with the San Diego Sockers.
Charles "Chugger" Adair (1990-92) Midfielder – Adair was one of the senior leaders on the '92 squad. He's USD's sixth all-time leading scorer (77 points) and sixth goal scorer (27). He played professionally for a decade, racking up 82 goals in 162 games.
Chris Duke (1985-88) Midfielder – Duke played 91 games in three professional leagues, including lining up for the Kansas City Comets in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Of Friday's ceremonies, Duke said, "I want to thank Seamus for everything he's done, along with the school. USD is a great university."
Leighton O'Brien (1995-98) Midfielder – O'Brien is the Toreros' third all-time leading scorer with with 95 points on 28 goals and 39 assists. His 28 goals rank fifth all time. He played professionally for a decade.
Guillermo Jara (1992-95) Forward – Jara is USD's all-time scoring leader and it's by a wide margin. He totaled 150 points on 51 goals and 48 assists. He's also the Toreros' all-time leading goal scorer with 51. Jara played for the Los Angeles Galaxy and Tampa Bay Mutiny in the MLS and Sacramento in the United States Indoor Soccer League.
Ryan Coiner (1999-02) Forward – A two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year, Coiner is San Diego's second all time leading scorer (119 points) and goal scorer (49). He played professionally in Germany and for the Columbus Crew in the MLS.
Honorable Mentions
Patrick "Bo" Kaemerle (1983-86) Forward
Ryan Guy (2003-06) Midfielder
Patrick Waller (2009-12) Forward
Kevin Legg (1991-93) Midfielder
