Toreros Rally Past Aztecs in Thrilling San Diego Derby
Steven Ramirez's Second-Half Strike Seals 2-1 Victory After Late Aztec Comeback Attempt
SAN DIEGO, CA – The University of San Diego Toreros prevailed 2-1 over San Diego State in a captivating cross-town rivalry match that showcased the intensity and drama befitting a local derby between these Division I programs.
Cesar Bahena broke the deadlock just three minutes into the contest, striking a clinical right-footed effort into the lower left corner to give the Toreros an electrifying start. The early breakthrough set the tone for what would become a tactical chess match, with both sides demonstrating contrasting approaches throughout the opening 45 minutes.
The Toreros controlled possession early, registering seven shots in the first half while limiting the Aztecs to just three attempts. San Diego's midfield orchestration, led by Oliver Rhoades and Noah James, created numerous opportunities as they pressed their advantage. Goalkeeper Adam Salama remained relatively untroubled, dealing confidently with the limited threats posed by the Aztecs' attack.
San Diego State responded with tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing fresh legs through Nik Orth, Juan Zepeda, and Cianole Nguepissi. The Aztecs immediately raised their intensity, earning multiple corner kicks and creating sustained pressure in the attacking third. Their persistence nearly paid dividends as Stephan Moreira and Rommee Jaridly began finding space in dangerous areas.
The match's defining moment arrived in the 76th minute when Steven Ramirez, who had entered as a substitute, doubled San Diego's advantage with a precise right-footed finish into the lower right corner. Rhoades provided the assist, capping off an excellent individual performance with his creative passing and work rate throughout the contest.
Just as the Toreros appeared to have secured a comfortable victory, the Aztecs mounted a spirited comeback attempt. Rommee Jaridly hammered home a crucial goal in the 85th minute, converting from close range with his right foot after excellent build-up play from Carson Ballagh and Dylan Presto. The assist combination showcased San Diego State's tactical flexibility, as both players had been introduced as substitutes to provide fresh impetus.
The final minutes produced frantic action as the Aztecs desperately searched for an equalizer. They outshot San Diego 15-12 overall and registered seven shots on target compared to the Toreros' five, demonstrating their attacking intent despite trailing for most of the match. Corner kicks became a particular weapon for the Aztecs, who earned five compared to San Diego's three.
Disciplinary issues plagued both sides, with San Diego State accumulating three yellow cards to San Diego's one. The physical nature of the contest reflected the rivalry's intensity, as neither team yielded an inch in the midfield battles.
Eddy Vargas made several crucial saves for the Aztecs, keeping his team within striking distance despite facing consistent pressure. His counterpart Salama proved equally reliable when called upon, making key interventions to preserve the victory.
The Toreros' tactical flexibility proved decisive, as their ability to manage the game's rhythm while making effective substitutions ultimately secured the three points. Their clinical finishing contrasted sharply with San Diego State's profligacy in front of goal, as the Aztecs managed just two shots on target from their 15 attempts.
This victory demonstrates San Diego's early-season quality and their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes local rivalries.
Key Players
- Steven Ramirez (San Diego) - Provided the decisive second goal with a clinical 76th-minute finish, showcasing excellent movement and composure as a substitute - Oliver Rhoades (San Diego) - Controlled the midfield throughout, registering an assist while consistently creating opportunities with intelligent distribution - Rommee Jaridly (San Diego St.) - Led the Aztecs' attacking efforts with three shots and a crucial late goal to ignite the comeback attempt