September 16, 2023

Warriors Winning Streak Snapped Against Bobcats

Video Box Score
By Francisco Claudio

The Westcliff men's soccer team had not faced defeat so far this season as they visited the UC Merced Bobcats Friday evening.
 
It was a tense match-up against two of the top teams in the Cal Pac as the Warriors got their first loss with a final score of 4-2.
 
There were many new experiences for the Warriors in this game as they allowed four goals where they had only received two in the entire season so far.
 
UC Merced took control of the first half and went into the locker room up 2-0.
 
But the Warriors weren't going to back down as they regrouped and started the second half playing their brand of soccer.
 
After going down 3-0, Westcliff immediately responded with a goal of their own.
 
No.10 Quentin Hornung found himself with a golden opportunity as he placed it out of reach in the 68th minute.
 
Down by two goals the Warriors scored again in the 88th minute as Lucas Rosell and Jordan Di Lonardo set up John Adenkunle for the goal.
 
But UC Merced responded quickly to the Wescliff goal and scored their fourth just one minute later.
 
"UC Merced played very well and dominated the first half," said head coach Randy Dodge. "We made some adjustments for the second half and dominated.
 
"Proud of the effort and play in the second half. We will regroup for our game against Simpson and get back on the winning track."
 
This will be a new experience for the coaching staff and team this season after lots of success early on.
 
However, there are many veterans and leaders who will be able to help the team regroup and use this as motivation for the rest of the season.
 
Even with the loss, the Warriors are still in second place in the Cal Pac standings right now.
 
They are only half a game back of first-place Simpson University whom Westcliff will get to play on Sunday.
 
Sunday's game is lined up to be an epic battle as the winner will find themselves in first place with a little bit of wiggle room.
 
Westcliff will play at 2:30PM following the women's matchup.