RIVERSIDE — An exceptional performance from the Toreros' back line that didn't allow a single shot on goal for the entire match propelled the No. 21 San Diego men's soccer (5-0-2, 0-0-0 WCC) to a 2-0 road victory over the California Baptist Lancers (1-2-3, 0-0-0 WAC) in Riverside. The victory extended the Toreros' win streak to three, as they remain unbeaten with two more non-conference matches on the schedule.
A powerful penalty shot from Samy Kanaan in the seventh minute of play gave USD an early lead that it kept through the remainder of the first half. San Diego then benefited from an own goal by the Lancers early in the second half that extended the Toreros' advantage to two.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- San Diego started off Monday night's contest quickly, as they implemented a very high press to put pressure on the Lancers' back-line early.
- USD's high press paid off in the seventh minute when Kanaan was able to take the ball off a CBU defender in the box and fire in a low cross that was deflected, but Cesar Bahena then chased after the loose ball and was tripped up in the box which resulted in a penalty kick for the Toreros that Kanaan buried down the middle to give his team an early 1-0 lead.
- Neither team was able to find any momentum through the remainder of the first half, as the Toreros maintained their 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
- Bahena started the second half off quickly by sending in a low driven cross over the penalty spot in the 46th minute that missed Kanaan in the box, but instead found a Lancer defender who inadvertently scored an own goal to extend San Diego's lead to 2-0 early in the second half.
- San Diego's next best scoring chance came when Kanaan cut inside and ripped a curling shot headed for the far post in the 78th minute, but it drifted just wide for a CBU goal kick.
- The Torero backline held firm for the remainder of the second half to keep the Lancers from getting a single shot on goal, as the game finished 2-0 in favor of USD.
TORERO TIDBITS
- USD's defense did not allow a single shot through the entire 90 minutes of play, a feat the program has not reached in over seven years.
- Kanaan's seventh minute goal is his fourth of the season, tying his teammate Bahena for the lead in total goals in 2024 (4).
- Goalkeeper Donovan Parisian earned his second clean sheet of the season.
- Bahena led USD with eight total shots (four on goal).
CATCHING UP WITH THE TOREROS
UP NEXT
The Toreros will return home on Thursday night for a matchup against future conference opponent Grand Canyon. Kick-off opposite the Antelopes at Torero Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. PST. Live streaming and live video links can be found through the team's website.
