ON THE COURT

Inside Scoop with the Freshmen: Brandon Benjamin, Boden Grant, & Caleb Versher

Three fantastic new freshmen additions, Brandon Benjamin, Boden Grant, and Caleb Versher, share their thoughts on the new practice facility, transitioning from high school to college-level play, and their areas of growth for their USD Torero family and Olé Foundation fanbase!

EARLY THIS SEASON

Women’s Soccer Makes History with Perfect Opening

USD Women's Soccer is making history in 2025, opening the season with an unprecedented three consecutive draws and remaining unbeaten through their opening stretch.

Under Head Coach Greg LaPorte's guidance, Las Toreras have displayed remarkable resilience. The team's fighting spirit was perfectly exemplified in their recent 1-1 draw at UC Santa Barbara, where they dominated possession in the second half before sophomore defender Ella Callanan's cross found the net via deflection in the 70th minute.

The early success stems from contributions across the roster. Freshman Amanda Anders earned WCC Offensive Player of the Week honors for her two-goal debut performance, while redshirt freshman goalkeeper Chloe Walls followed with WCC Defensive Player of the Week recognition after stellar performances in her first two collegiate appearances. The Chula Vista native boasts a conference-leading 90.9% save percentage, including crucial one-on-one stops that have kept the Toreros unbeaten.

Coach LaPorte has strategically rotated his lineup, giving opportunities to players like senior midfielder Katelyn Bessemer, who made her first start as a Torero against Santa Barbara, and sophomore forward Marissa Morales, who earned her first career start in the same match. This depth has been instrumental in the team's strong opening.

HELLO FALL SPORTS

Fall Sports in Full Swing: Volleyball Action & Football Kickoff Dinner

Get ready for an action-packed weekend as Torero Athletics hits full stride!

Our volleyball team opens its season Friday, traveling to Honolulu for its first matches of 2025. Meanwhile, football returns to Torero Stadium Saturday as the Toreros host Cal Poly in what promises to be an electric home opener.

The excitement begins Friday night with the second annual Football Kickoff Dinner, honoring special guest Jim Harbaugh, our 2005 PFL Championship-winning head coach. Don't miss your chance to support the program while bidding on exclusive auction items! Phenomenal experiences and unique memorabilia are up for grabs, including custom-designed USD Toreros cleats and a stunning painting of Coach Harbaugh. Search San Diego to see the 2025 USD Football Kickoff Dinner auction items on LiveSourceApp.com or the LiveSource app!

Mark Your Calendars!

• USD Basketball Tip-off Dinner on Thursday, October 16th

• USD Baseball Golf Tournament at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club on December 1st.

Join us as we celebrate the start of another championship season across Torero Athletics!

START OF A NEW CAMPAIGN

Men’s Soccer Opens Season with Statement Performances

The USD Men's Soccer program has remained a presence on the national stage, earning a No. 25 ranking in the Top Drawer Soccer poll following an impressive opening week that saw the Toreros go toe-to-toe with elite competition on the East Coast.

The Toreroes embarked on a challenging road trip to Durham, North Carolina, facing two ranked opponents in their season-opening tests. Despite falling 2-1 to No. 8 Duke in a hard-fought battle, the Toreros demonstrated the resilience that has become their calling card under the leadership of their coaching staff.

Sophomore Iain Wagner provided the heroics in his season debut, sliding home a dramatic goal with under 90 seconds remaining to cut Duke's lead to one. Newcomer Adam Salama made his Torero debut between the posts, recording three saves against the Blue Devils' attack.

The weekend brought redemption as San Diego battled No. 20 Furman to a 0-0 draw, with Salama earning his first clean sheet as a Torero. The senior goalkeeper made a pair of crucial saves, and Wagner continued his strong start to the season, earning his first career start after his goal-scoring performance against Duke.

The balanced offensive attack has been a strength early on, with Cesar Bahena leading the charge alongside Josh Martinez and Noah James, creating opportunities throughout both matches.