Steffen Deetjen
Staff Writer
This past Friday night, the USF men’s soccer team went up against San Diego at Torero Stadium. Despite San Diego’s strong offensive push, the Dons were able to hold strong and keep their opponents at bay. The overall score of the game came out to be 0-0, and the Dons were able to keep their West Coast Conference record (4-1-1) intact without adding any losses. During the first half, San Diego was extremely aggressive and pushed to put numbers up on the scoreboard. San Diego was able to outshoot USF 12 to 2. The Toreros had a great opportunity in the 14th minute of the match when a cross was sent into the box and was received by Torero Patrick McGrath. McGrath fired a shot off from McGrath’s cross that was just a bit high of the net. Another good chance was created by the Toreros in the 21st minute when Torero Keegan Smith pulled down a long pass in front of the goal. However, the Dons defense stiffened up and closed down the attack before the USD push turned into a goal.
Early on in the second half, the Dons began to go on the offensive and created some scoring opportunities. The Dons had one of their best opportunities when midfielder Davi Ramos intercepted a pass on USF’s side of the pitch and passed a long through ball to forward Bryce Kaminski on a breakaway. Kaminksi fired off a chance but his attempt was blocked, while Ramos’s follow up was swatted away. In the 62nd minute, midfielder Santiago Digiuseppe crossed the ball into the box from the right wing which was pulled down and controlled by forward David Garrett. Unfortunately, Garrett’s attempt on goal was sent right into the keeper’s hands. According to Coach Soto, adjustments were made during the second half in order to pick up the Don’s offense. Possession was easier to maintain after fresh substitutes came on to the pitch.
The game was always in a consistent state of flux. The Dons had to keep switching from playing on their toes to playing on their heels, playing smart and not taking too many risks was enough to earn a tie. The Toreros totaled 24 shots with only five shots on goal. On the other hand the Dons only took eight shots, four of which were on goal. the Torreros had an absurd 25 corner kicks by the end of the match. Although the game went into overtime, the Dons held strong and kept the USD scoreless despite their advances. Much credit goes to the Don’s keeper, Andre Glasnovic, for scooping up five saves. Up next for the Dons will be their last regular season match of the year, a home game against Loyola Marymount on Saturday, November 14th at 6PM.
Photo courtesy of Dons Athletics
