It is one goal that made a significant difference last weekend for the University of San Diego Toreros.
The men's soccer team could have been unbeaten and on top of the West Coast Conference if it wasn't for a score by Gonzaga's Nathanael Pacheco10 minutes into double overtime last Sunday.
But the same could be said about the two other goals the Toreros gave up in the second half after taking a 2-0 lead to ultimately lose 3-2 to Gonzaga.
Either way the, USD will try to forget that match and bounce back when it hosts San Francisco, the top team in the WCC, Friday at 7 p.m. at Torero Stadium.
The Toreros (5-5-1, 2-1-1 WCC), are coming off the loss to Gonzaga and a 1-0 win against Portland last Friday. It is not the worst of starts in conference play but things don't get any easier against San Francisco, a team coming off a 2-0 win against Santa Clara and a scoreless draw at home against Saint Mary's.
The Dons (5-4-2, 3-0-1 WCC) are unbeaten in their last six matches thanks in part to junior goalkeeper Brenden Roslund, who was named WCC Player of the Week last week. He has four consecutive shutouts. Miguel Aguilar and Mauricio Diaz De Leon are tied for the team lead with four goals, while Vinny Coloiaro has been an integral part of the squad with team-best three assists this season.
All that sounds nice for San Francisco. They appear to be on a hot streak, The Toreros could cool them off. After all, USF has been outshot 144-129 this season. And USD has had success against the Dons.
The Toreros are 17-14-2 all-time against the Dons, including the last four meetings. USD beat USF 3-1 win at San Francisco and raked in a 2-1 overtime victory at home last season. USF's last win against the Toreros came in 2008, a 2-1 outing at USD.
Coach Seamus McFaddens team won't get much resting time after San Francisco. The Toreros will be back at home a day later when it takes on Santa Clara also at Toreros Stadium.
Sunday's match 41st meeting between the teams.
The Toreros are 10-27-3 all-time against Santa Clara. Both teams played to a 2-2 tie at Santa Clara and a 2-1 Bronco victory in San Diego last year. USD last defeated Santa Clara in 2009 with a 3-2 home win.
The Toreros will see San Francisco and Santa Clara again next week but this time both matches will be on the road.
Lady Toreros
The University of San Diego women's soccer team (6-7-0, 1-1-0 WCC) resume West Coast Conference play this week with a trip to the Pacific Northwest for showdown with the University of Portland Friday. This will be the lone match of the week for USD.
The Toreros broke a five-match losing streak last Sunday with a 3-0 conference win against San Francisco (4-9-0, 1-1-0 WCC) at Torero Stadium. USD used two goals from senior midfielder Elissa Magracia and one more goal from senior striker Stephanie Ochs to rake in the win.
The Toreros now face a Portland team that is 5-6-1 overall and winless (0-1) in the conference. Portland is coming off a 2-1 loss to WCC newcomer BYU last week.
Portland leads the all-time series against USD (15-2-2), including winning the last seven straight.
ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com
