Michael Baham
Staff Writer
The University of San Diego Torrero’s (5-9-3, 2-4-0 WCC) came to Negoesco Stadium for San Francisco’s regular season home finale and senior night. To the crowd’s delight, the game was jampacked with offense all throughout the game that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. By game’s end, the Dons were able to claim victory by golden goal in the 100th minute 4-3.
Both the Torrero’s and Don’s came out firing on all cylinders with four first-half goals for a 2-2 tie at halftime. Junior Aaron Lombardi chipped in the first goal from 18 yards out in the 18th minute, his second goal of the season. San Diego hit back hard with two goals in a 105-second span. In the 33rd and 34th minute, USD Miguel Berry scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season. In the 40th minute, just before half time, USF senior Davi Ramos found the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
The second half was filled with as many offensive chances as the first half. For the duration of regulation, USD took 13 shots and USF took 15. Out of the gate, San Diego once again found themselves on top, thanks to a goal in the 46th minute by none other than Miguel Berry, completing his hat-trick and earning his 7th goal of the season. In the 64th minute, freshman Matt Orr latched on to an Aaron Lombardi corner kick that was fired in for Orr’s first career collegiate goal. Orr’s goal and a save by substitute goalkeeper Jared Hegardt in the 83rd minute both breathed life back into the Dons.
In overtime, San Francisco was able to come out victorious. Sophomore Santiago Digiuseppe floated a free kick into the penalty area, where senior Joshua Smith headed home the game-winning goal, Smith’s third goal of the season.
With their senior night, the Dons bid farewell to their seven seniors: Christian De Luna, Joshua Smith, David Garrett, Davi Ramos, Kevin De La Torre, Ryan Buckingham and Ludwing Vargas.
Now with a 7-8, 3-3 WCC record, USF will finish their regular season at Loyola Marymount University on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7pm. Be sure to follow live on theW.tv.
Photo Credits: Dons Athletics/ Flickr
