Story Links
-
GAME BOOK VS. OREGON STATE (PDF)
- POST GAME MEDIA (QUINN, WARNE AND KANAAN)
Next Game:
at San Francisco
10/30/2024 | 7 PM
Oct. 30 (Wed) / 7 PM
at San Francisco
SAN DIEGO — In an impressive display of teamwork, the No. 8 ranked San Diego men’s soccer team showcased their defensive prowess and offensive creativity by defeating Oregon State (8-3-2, 4-1-0 WCC) with a convincing 2-0 victory on Saturday night. The match was held in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 2,107 fans at the electrifying atmosphere of Torero Stadium, marking a significant achievement for USD men’s soccer (10-1-2, 4-0-0 WCC). Kanaan‘s stellar performance included two beautifully executed goals that solidified the Toreros’ position at the top of the conference.
Kanaan got on the scoreboard early in this high-stakes match, linking up with his teammate Ethan Warne. The pair executed a swift one-two play, allowing Kanaan to strike with precision, finding the bottom left corner of the goal in the 17th minute. Just two minutes later, following a foul on Cesar Bahena, Kanaan stepped up to convert a penalty kick, bringing his tally for the night to two and extending USD’s lead to a comfortable 2-0, which they maintained for the remainder of the match.
The Torero defense, backed by goalkeeper Donovan Parisian, proved impenetrable against an Oregon State team that previously led the conference in scoring. The defense exhibited outstanding cohesion and determination, limiting the Beavers to a meager three shots on goal. Parisian’s performance included three critical saves that ensured the shutout, marking a strong defensive showing from USD.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Kanaan got the Toreros on the score sheet early in front of a full crowd of buzzing vuvuzelas at Torero Stadium with a perfect shot that found the bottom left corner of the goal leaving the Beaver goalkeeper with no chance, making it 1-0 Toreros in the 17th minute.
- Just two minutes later in the 19th minute, a push from an Oregon State defender on Cesar Bahena earned a penalty kick for USD that Kanaan buried to give him his second goal of the game, making it 2-0 San Diego in the 20th minute of play.
- The Torero defense held firm through the remainder of the first period of play to keep the score 2-0 at the break.
- Back-to-back clutch saves from Parisian in the 69th and 71st minute successfully kept the Beavers off the board in the second half.
- Cohesive defense from USD throughout the remainder of the match kept Oregon State scoreless as the Toreros were able to claim a 2-0 shutout victory.
TORERO TIDBITS
- With his pair of goals against the Beavers, Kanaan is now tied for the lead in total goals scored in the West Coast Conference with eight.
- Parisian earned his third clean sheet of the year on Saturday evening, and second consecutive game played with three total saves.
- Warne earned his second assist of the season after setting up the opening goal for Kanaan.
CATCHING UP WITH THE TOREROS
UP NEXT
After wrapping up a two-game home stand with impressive victories against Santa Clara and Oregon State, the Toreros will now head on the road to face San Francisco on Wednesday evening. The highly anticipated match at Negoesco Stadium is set to kick off at 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action through live streaming and video links available on the team’s website.
Interview with USD Men’s Soccer Star Kanaan
Editor: With us today is Kanaan, the standout player from the San Diego men’s soccer team, who recently led his team to victory over Oregon State. Kanaan, congratulations on the win! It was an impressive 2-0 result. How does it feel to score both goals in such a critical match?
Kanaan: Thank you! It feels amazing. Scoring those goals not only boosts my confidence but also helps the team maintain our momentum in the conference. We’ve been working hard all season, and it’s great to see our teamwork paying off.
Editor: You opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a fantastic shot. Can you walk us through that moment?
Kanaan: Absolutely! Ethan Warne and I had been communicating well throughout the match. When we executed that one-two play, I felt the space open up, and I just focused on placing it perfectly. Thankfully, it hit the target and found the back of the net!
Editor: And shortly after, you converted a penalty kick to double the lead. How did you prepare mentally for that pressure?
Kanaan: I always try to stay calm and collected when taking penalties. It’s a moment of pressure, but I just focus on my technique and visualize where I want the ball to go. It helped that my teammates were incredibly supportive.
Editor: The defense also played a crucial role in the win, limiting Oregon State to just three shots on goal. How did you feel about their performance?
Kanaan: Our defense has been solid all season, and they really stepped up. Donovan (Parisian) was outstanding in goal. We trust each other, and that trust allows us to play freely. It’s a complete team effort.
Editor: Looking ahead, you have a game against San Francisco coming up on October 30. What are your thoughts going into that match?
Kanaan: We’re feeling confident, but we know that every match poses its own challenges. We’ll prepare thoroughly and aim to continue our winning streak. The goal is to keep building our position in the conference.
Editor: Thanks, Kanaan, for your insights and best of luck in your next match!
Kanaan: Thank you! I appreciate it. Go Toreros!
Nalty kick to secure your second goal. That must have been a pivotal moment for the team. How did you prepare for that kick?
Kanaan: It definitely was! After the foul on Cesar Bahena, I knew I wanted to step up and take the penalty. I always try to stay calm and focus on my technique. I visualized where I wanted to place the ball, and thankfully, it went in. Penalty kicks can be nerve-wracking, but the trust from my teammates helps me stay composed.
Editor: The defense also played a crucial role in securing the shutout. How do you feel about the team’s overall performance?
Kanaan: I think our defense was rock solid! Donovan Parisian made some incredible saves, and our backline was disciplined throughout the match. It’s a true team effort – every player on the pitch contributed to that clean sheet. Defense wins championships, and I’m proud of how we supported each other.
Editor: Looking ahead, you’ll be facing San Francisco next. What are your thoughts going into that match?
Kanaan: We’re excited! San Francisco is always a tough opponent, but if we keep up our strong play and stay coordinated, we have a great chance to extend our unbeaten streak. We’re focused on maintaining our momentum and finishing the season strong.
Editor: Thank you, Kanaan, for sharing your insights and congratulations once again on a fantastic performance!
Kanaan: Thank you! I appreciate the support!
