The 18th ranked University of San Diego men’s soccer team started off the regular season on the right foot with a 2-1 upset of the defending national champion and No. 1 ranked Washington Huskies.

The first goal Thursday night at Husky Soccer Stadium came in the 10th minute courtesy of midfielder Taj Eagleston, who took advantage of a loose ball in the box that came off a rebound shot from teammate Steven Ramirez.

USD took the 1-0 lead into halftime and extended it in the 53rd minute off a corner kick that defender Devin Dillon ended up placing in the back of the net. The Toreros survived a late-second half surge from the Huskies, which saw midfielder Zach Ramsey score on a one-on-one opportunity, but hung on for the victory. 

One player leaps into another's arms on field as another crouches below them smiling.
The University of San Diego began its season with a bang Thursday, upsetting the No. 1 ranked Huskies. (Photo courtesy of University of San Diego)

The Toreros have won four straight WCC titles and are heavily favored to win again this season.

“The four years of success were created by our players.” said head coach Brian Quinn.

This marked the fifth time in the program’s history that the Toreros have defeated the top-ranked team; the last time was in September 2014, a 1-0 win over UCLA at Torero Stadium.

The Washington match also featured two San Diego FC draft picks.

Samy Kanaan, a third team All-American following his stellar third season as a Torero, was the 56th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. The forward led the team in both goals and points, and in non-conference action scored goals in three consecutive matches.

The 31st overall pick, Washington defender Harrison Bertos, played in 21 matches, making 20 starts in the 2024 season, ahead of the draft. Bertos was awarded TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week Honorable Mention in September 2024.

The Toreros have a tough 17-match regular season schedule concluding with an eight-match block in a newly expanded West Coast Conference. Next up, at 5 p.m. Sunday: the Liberty Flames at Torero Stadium.