COMEBACK KINGS

Men’s Soccer Delivers Stunning Comeback with Game-Winner

In what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most thrilling finishes in Torero Stadium history, our #13-ranked men's soccer team overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat California Baptist 3-2 in heart-stopping fashion.

With the Toreros trailing 2-0 through 84 minutes, the odds looked grim. After Samy Kanaan converted a penalty kick in the 86th minute to cut the deficit in half, Noah James struck twice in the final minutes to complete an improbable turnaround. His equalizer came just one minute after Kanaan's goal, when Devin Zachry's brilliant hold-up play set up James for a clinical finish.

But the real magic happened in the final seconds. As the PA announcer began the 10-second countdown to end regulation, the Toreros earned a corner kick. Josh Martinez's perfect delivery found James in the six-yard box, and with exactly one second remaining on the clock, he buried the game-winner, sending the home crowd into absolute pandemonium as players stormed the field.

The victory capped off a remarkable week for USD soccer, which followed up its dramatic CBU win with an emphatic 3-1 triumph over UC Santa Barbara. The UCSB match showcased the program's depth and attacking prowess, with Zachry scoring his first collegiate goal and Steven Ramirez adding his second of the season.

Now riding a four-game winning streak and perfect at home in 2025, this Torero squad has established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

INSIDE TORERO STADIUM

Toreros Defeat No. 24 Southern Utah for Program’s First Ranked Home Win

Under the lights in front of a roaring home crowd, the Torero football team delivered its first-ever ranked win at home, defeating No. 24 Southern Utah 30-27 in dramatic overtime fashion.

Graduate running back Matt Colombo emerged as the hero of the evening, recording a spectacular 208-yard rushing performance that culminated in the game-winning three-yard touchdown run in overtime. His dominant display on the ground not only secured victory but also marked the PFL's first 200-yard rushing performance of 2025.

The victory represents multiple historic firsts for the program: USD's first-ranked win since 2017, its first-ever ranked victory at home, and its first during the regular season.

Junior quarterback Dom Nankil provided the perfect complement to Colombo's ground game, rushing for 78 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns of his own, including a spectacular 49-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. The dynamic rushing attack accumulated 296 total yards.

Defensively, the Toreros were equally impressive. Sophomore Nate Fischer led the charge with 12 tackles for the second consecutive game, while senior outside linebacker Tre Moore contributed six tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter forced fumble and recovery that shifted momentum.

ROAD RESILIENCE

Women’s Soccer Extends Best Start in 25 Years with Dramatic Late Equalizer

Trailing 1-0 with just 18 minutes remaining, USD women’s soccer team demonstrated the resilience that has become their calling card this season against Long Beach.

Senior captain Josefine Schlichting delivered the crucial equalizer, capitalizing on a fortunate rebound after teammate Amanda Anders struck the post with what appeared to be a certain goal.

The 1-1 draw extends USD's unbeaten streak to six games, marking the program's best start in 25 years, matching the historic 2000 season that began with six straight victories.

For the third time this season, USD found themselves trailing but refused to surrender, a testament to the character coach LaPorte has instilled in this group. With Anders scoring five goals in her first five career games and Schlichting providing clutch scoring when it matters most, this Torero squad is building something special.

INTERNATIONAL REINFORCEMENTS

Men’s Basketball Adds European Frontcourt Duo

USD Men's Basketball has finalized its roster transformation with the additions of 6-foot-7 forward Vuk Boskovic and 6-foot-10 center Piotr Winkowski as the final pieces of an ambitious 13-player recruiting class.

Boskovic, a versatile forward from Bosnia and Herzegovina, adds international experience and proven scoring ability to the Toreros' frontcourt. Winkowski, a Polish center, averaged 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds while demonstrating efficient shooting around the basket and strong rim protection.

These additions cap off a complete roster overhaul that includes nine non-freshman newcomers and represents six countries across four continents. With the recent opening of the state-of-the-art Basketball Performance Center and entry into the revenue share program, Coach Lavin has positioned the program for a new era of competitive basketball.

UP AND COMING

Football Kickoff Dinner, New Beach Volleyball Coach, & Upcoming Events

FOOTBALL KICKOFF DINNER 🏈 

The USD Football Kickoff Dinner brought together the Torero community in spectacular fashion as we gear up for another exciting season. The evening was made even more special when Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who previously led our program from 2004-2006, generously donated $2,500 to the Olé Foundation. Adding to the family legacy, his father, Jack Harbaugh, who served as USD's running backs coach in 2004, contributed an additional $1,000 to support our student-athletes.

FIRST USD WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL COACH 🏐 

Derek Olson, a seasoned coach with national and international volleyball credentials, has been named the first head coach in San Diego women's beach volleyball history after transforming Washington into a nationally ranked program over four seasons. Under Olson's leadership, the Huskies achieved unprecedented success with three consecutive Top-20 national rankings, their first-ever NCAA Championship appearance in 2024, and the program's first All-Americans in school history.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 📆 

Don't miss the USD Basketball Tip-off Dinner on Thursday, October 16th! Additionally, mark December 1st for the USD Baseball Golf Tournament at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Sign up today!