SAN DIEGO – The San Diego men's soccer program (11-4-3, 5-1-1 WCC) scored an early goal and never looked back, defeating Gonzaga (3-9-6, 1-5-1 WCC), 1-0 and securing their second consecutive WCC title on Friday night at Torero Stadium.
With the title, the Toreros have secured automatic qualification to the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
"I'm really proud of the team," said head coach
Brian Quinn on winning the WCC title. "It was a goal at the beginning of the year. We took a trip to Argentina in the summer and it built a lot of chemistry within the group with the new players coming in. Secondly, we felt that the conference as a whole was the strongest it's been since I've been here. A lot of good teams, including Gonzaga as you've seen. They never ever quit and we had to do everything to hold onto that 1-0 lead."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Needing a win to secure the WCC title and automatic qualifier spot for the conference in the NCAA Tournament, the Toreros rose to the occasion early in the game.
- After Ethan Warne stole the ball, he started the counter attack.
- Warne found Mason Tunbridge at midfield, who sliced through the defense before feeding a wide-open Cesar Bahena.
- Bahena tucked a shot past the diving goalkeeper for a 1-0 advantage just three minutes into the game.
- The Toreros defense continued their lock down stretch of play from there, controlling the Gonzaga attack.
- Bahena had a chance for a brace in the 31st minute, as Rhys Gourdie fed a beautiful through ball, but the shot went over the crossbar in tight to keep the game knotted at 1-0.
- After leading 1-0 at halftime, Gonzaga began to up the tempo and pressed for an equalizer.
- Luis Ludosan was sharp in net, making saves when he needed to, but also remaining composed on set pieces.
- San Diego had a late chance on goal from Gourdie, but would ride out the remaining pressure, before storming the field in celebration.
TORERO TIDBITS
- San Diego took home their 11th WCC title and second under Quinn.
- The Toreros will make their 16th NCAA Tournament appearance following the clinching of the automatic qualifier spot.
- San Diego played in front of 1,140 people, good for the highest attendance this season.
NEXT UP
The Toreros will await their placement in the NCAA Tournament, with the NCAA Selection Show set for Monday on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. PT.
To stay up to date with Toreros men's soccer, follow the team on Instagram & Twitter by searching "USDmsoccer".
