SAN DIEGO — Cameron Kaemerle and Mason Tunbridge each notched their first goals of the 2021 season, but San Diego men's soccer (1-9, 0-1 WCC) dropped a tough 3-2 decision to West Coast Conference foe Gonzaga (6-4, 1-0 WCC) on Friday night at Torero Stadium to begin conference play.

After the Bulldogs struck first in the eighth minute, Kaemerle chipped in a goal of his own to tie things up in the 29th with an assist from Owen Wiebe. Mason Tunbridge then helped USD pull ahead in the 44th minute, launching a towering unassisted shot from midfield that found the bottom center of the goal to give the Toreros a 2-1 advantage at the half.

Gonzaga tied things up with a goal in the 55th minute, then sealed the 3-2 victory with another score in the 68th.

Nicklas Clausen led the way for USD with four shots (two on goal), adding on to his team-high season total of 25 (13 on goal). Luke Pardoe had three shots, Rhys Gourdie had two, and Kaemerle, Paul Ramlow, and Till Stockman each had one.

Goalkeeper Marley Mascarenas notched four saves.

The Toreros are back in action on Saturday, October 9 as they continue WCC play with an away match at Portland. Kickoff at Merlo Field is set for 4 p.m.