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Toreros Win Big at Arizona State

LSKD Man of the Match: Joey Varcoe

Starting Lineup

1. Torres Kapust

2. Logan Tatum ©

3. Seni Fagbeni

4. Dustin Braun

5. Sam Carlson

6. Shane Jamison

7. Jake Girard

8. Michael Ramos

9. Micky O’Leary

10. Michael Lewis

11. Nate Leff

12. Paul Habeeb

13. Daniel Suhr

14. Jackson Short

15. Finn McCarthy

Subs

16. Cameron Mahdavifar (55’Fagbeni)

17. Alexis Mendieta

18. Mac Johnson

19. Joey Varcoe (10’ Ramos)

20. Joey Shenton

21. Devin Hoovel (50’ McCarthy)

22. Lucca Deocariza (70’ Short)

23. Felix Morales (60’ Habeeb)

Scoring

Tries

2 Braun, 2 Leff, Tatum, Varcoe, McCarthy, Girard

Conversions

0/4 Lewis, 0/4 O’Leary

The University of San Diego opened league play with a big win at Arizona State University. The final score would stand 40-26 after 80 minutes of play. While the match was played in typical dry desert conditions, the temperature remained under 70 degrees.

The match started with a prolonged defensive stand by USD. ASU could not find their way out of their own half as tenacious defense from USD stopped them in their tracks. After a turnover, the Toreros methodically worked their way into the Sun Devil 22. Unfortunately, Michael Ramos was forced off the field due to injury in the 10th minute after a big carry. This was a big blow to USD as the 2022 League MVP and All-American would play no further part in the contest. Joey Varcoe came off the bench with big shoes to fill for the next 70 minutes. The Toreros didn’t miss a beat, as a try from Finn McCarthy was followed by a try from long-range from the substitute Joey Varcoe. This try would be countered by a score from ASU fullback Devin Rivet, leaving the score at 10-7 USD halfway through the first half. The final 20 minutes of the half would be dominated by the Toreros, with Logan Tatum and Dustin Braun both scoring from close range.

The score at the half would stand at 20-7 in favor of USD.

The start of the second half featured another try from Devin Rivet for ASU. USD stay calm and again began to exert pressure on the opposition's defense. Some nice interplay was finished by Nate Leff in the corner for a score. Dustin Braun would add another score on a pick from close to the line. USD was not able to completely shut the door as again Devin Rivet scored from long range for ASU, completing his hat trick. USD remained in control of the match as Jake Girard stomped over for another score from the USD forward pack. Not to be outshone, Devin Rivet from ASU answered back with an unprecedented 4th try of the match to put the score at 35-26 in favor of the Toreros with just a couple of minutes to play. All hopes of a miraculous comeback were dashed with a clinical end of the game from USD, culminating in another score for Nate Leff.

The final score would stand at 40-26 in favor of USD.

Director of Rugby Kevin Eaton on the win: “The first match of the league season is always a big test. ASU is a top side and we knew they would fight for 80 minutes. This match gave us the opportunity to display our depth, which I feel is the best we have had in the last 10 years. We have guys coming off the bench who can provide a massive impact, and that showed today.”

Head Coach Charlie Purdon: “Pleased with the win, and the dedication of all 40+ guys on the roster who prepared well for it. Lots to work on over the next couple weeks as we prepare for the next match” USD started an undefeated league campaign last season with a win against ASU. There is a lot of season left, but the intent from the group remains the same. While the match showed the incredible squad depth USD has this year, it also highlighted the player pipelines that have been the cornerstone of this growth. The match day 23 featured 4 players from De La Salle and 3 players from the O.C. Raptors. These programs are both ranked #4 in the nation, De La Salle for single school and Raptors for club. As long as USD continues to get fantastic players from these clubs, they will remain a force in collegiate rugby.

The match at ASU featured several standout performances, but the decision for man of the match ended up being an easy one. Joey Varcoe came off the bench and impacted the score sheet immediately and provided a massive energy boost for the team. He carried well and was fearless in the breakdown and defensively, making him an easy choice for the honor.

Kenneth Laws