Torrey Pines takes down defending Open Division champion in soccer’s season opener

St. Augustine and Torrey Pines have long been two of San Diego County’s premier high school boys soccer programs.

On Wednesday afternoon, the two heavyweights shared the pitch for the 2025-2026 season opener.

Behind goals from Jacob Nunnallee and Nico Bejar, Torrey Pines took down the four-time defending CIF Open Division champion Saints 2-1.

“They played like a united group for all 80 minutes,” Torrey Pines coach Francisco Lona said. “They picked each other up. This is a really solid and cohesive group. We’re really excited about this season.”

Following a stagnant first 10 minutes, Torrey Pines found its footing in the attacking third. Controlling possession, the Falcons earned a corner kick in the 17th minute, followed shortly after by a free kick from 28 yards out in the 19th minute.

The consistent opportunities from just outside the box soon bore fruit for Torrey Pines. In the 22nd minute, Chase Mafong made a quality run to just outside the box and sent in a low cross towards an unmarked Nunnallee, who headed the pass just inside the near post into the back of the net.

“I knew I had to get into a good position and finish the play. Chase gave me a great ball. I had it on a platter and scored,” Nunnallee said. “Playing a team that’s coming off a whole bunch of championships, beating them in our first game is huge for us.”

Torrey Pines did well to keep St. Augustine’s offense at bay in the first half, allowing just one shot on goal in the first 40 minutes.

“We played with good power, pace, and energy along the backline in the first half,” Lona said. “We made some switches in the second half, but there was no drop-off.”

The Falcons remained aggressive in the second half, with Danny Holzer tallying a shot on goal in the 41st minute.

In the 63rd, Torrey Pines seized another opportunity to expand its lead. After a long cross fell at the feet of Bejar, the Falcons’ senior quickly beat his man and drove inside the box, where he was fouled.

Bejar quickly gathered himself and laced a low shot into the bottom right corner for a penalty kick goal.

St. Augustine did its best to make it a game late, scoring on a Rafael Pulido strike in the 76th minute to cut the lead to 2-1. But ultimately, the Saints were unable to find an equalizer in the game’s final minutes.

“They’re the defending champions, so to come to their house and do a bit of damage to them, it’s a great way to start the season,” Lona said.