USD Rugby West Coast 7s Recap day 1
USD Rugby once again took a trip to San Francisco, to compete in the west coast 7s. USD was drawn as the #12 seed, and put into a tough pool. In pool play the Torero would face San Jose State, Trinity Western, and Cal. San Jose state is a competive program who compete in the Norcal d1-aa conference. Trinity Western is a Varsity rugby program from Canada, boasting top talent from all over the world. Cal is the greatest rugby program in the history of the U.S., and entered the tournament as defending champion. USD took the following squad up to treasure island for the tournament
Cameron Miller (Junior)
Parker Rogers (Junior)
Mickey Miller (Senior)
Nick Classen (Sophomore)
Zack Margulis (Senior)
Brandon Arriaga (Junior)
Jordan Sandoval (Sophomore)
Henri Vatinel (Sophomore)
Matthew Desalvo (Senior)
Conor O’Shaugnessey (Junior)
Martim Lucas (Junior-Portuguese transfer student)
Darren Seward (* forced to withdraw due to injury- Freshman Finn McCarthy taken in his place)
Game 1 vs Trinity Western
USD had a tough task to start, taking on a varsity team from Canada. This was the first-ever match at the west coast 7s between a U.S and Canadian team. Trinity Western would start fast, putting in two tries on USD in the first half. USD was down 12-0 just before half, when a deep kick was gathered by Brandon Arriaga. He did well to get out of his own 22, and USD were patient on the final play of the half. Matthew Desalvo received the ball and hit a gap, racing for a long-range try under the posts. Jordan Sandoval would convert to make it 12-7 at half time. USD regrouped at halftime and settled into a more focused second half. After sustained pressure, Parker Rogers scored from short range. Soon after Mickey Miller added another try, to give USD their first lead at 17-12. With no time on the clock, Cameron Miller iced the game with a try under the posts. Sandoval would convert and put the final score at 24-12. A dominant second half by USD put them into a great position for the rest of the day.
Game 2 vs San Jose State
USD scored 24 unanswered points in game one and lept their foot on the gas in their second game. Brandon Arriaga scored a try sandwiched between two Jordan Sandoval tries in the first half. 21-0 up at halftime, USD rolled some subs in who sustained the pressure offensively. Some positive play from San Jose gave them a great chance to score, but Brandon Arriaga forced a turnover. The ball was quickly dished to Matt Desalvo, who received the ball on his own goal line. Desalvo showed great speed to outrun everybody for a coast to coast try. The scoring would be finished off by Mickey Miller, who broke a tackle and then showed his speed to score. The 35-0 lead gave USD 59 unanswered points across two games, a very impressive stat. San Jose would sneak a score in at the end, to put the final score at 35-5. It was a dominant performance and clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for USD.
Game 3 vs Cal
The 3rd game of the day was the toughest for USD, as they faced Cal. Cal is by far the most accomplished progam in college rugby history, boasting a varsity program and the best rugby players from all over the world. USD stepped up to the challenge but unfortunately fell well short. Cal was simply bigger, faster, and had more experience. Down at halftime, USD pulled the starters to rest for day 2 of the tournament. The gates opened in the second half and Cal finished off a dominant performance. Final Score Cal 45 USD 0
USD at the West Coast 7s- Top Row (left to right) Finn McCarthy, Nick Classen, Zack Margulis, Henri Vatinel, Mickey Miller, Charlie Purdon Bottom Row (left to right) Conor O’Shuagnessey, Parker Rogers, Cameron Miller, Jordan Sandoval, Matt Desalvo,Martim Lucas, Brandon Arriaga