USD Loses to Claremont-Mudd

A late comeback attempt by the University of San Diego football team Saturday night ended abruptly, as quarterback Pat Dixon’s pass was intercepted by John Reilly of visiting Claremont-Mudd, which held on to win, 13-9.

The interception, with less than two minutes remaining in the game, came just after a 43-yard pass reception by USD’s Scott Riley--that would have put the Toreros first and goal at the two-yard line--was called back because of an illegal procedure penalty.

The Toreros’ late drive began when USD’s Sergio Fuentes recovered an onside kick at the Torero 44. Seconds earlier, Dixon had hit receiver Jeff Mansukhani for a five-yard touchdown pass, one of the few bright spots for the USD offense on an otherwise bleak night.

The Toreros were limited to just 40 yards total offense in the first half and did not make a first down until midway through the second quarter. USD got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter, when Sam Furseth kicked a 22-yard field goal.

In contrast, Claremont-Mudd was stronger in the early going, as Chris Dabrow scored on a three-yard run to put the Stags ahead in the first quarter. Claremont-Mudd kicker Drew Buccino padded his team’s lead with field goals of 27 and 32 yards.

Claremont-Mudd is 3-1. USD (3-2) plays Saturday at Azusa Pacific.