November 29, 2023

A Dynasty in the Making, MSOC Impresses at Nationals

Video Box Score
By Francisco Claudio
 
The Westcliff men's soccer team just had one of the most successful campaigns ever in Westcliff Athletics and California Pacific Conference history.
 
The Warriors (18-2) dominated throughout the regular season shutting out their opponents and breaking scoring records left and right.
 
They only suffered one loss on their way to becoming the 2023 Cal Pac Regular Season Champions, followed by winning the 2023 Cal Pac Championship.
 
Westcliff made their NAIA Championship debut and took down No. 11 Rio Grande in the second round which earned them a spot at the final site in Wichita, Kansas.
 
In the round of 16 matchup, the Warriors battled hard against the reigning champions Bethel (IN) as their historic season came to an end following the 2-0 loss.
 
During the latter part of the game, the Warriors had a few chances to score. 
 
Forwards John Adekunle and Wissem Obeid both attempted shots, with Obeid's shot being hit off his right foot and forcing the opposition goalkeeper to make a save by punching the ball over the crossbar.
 
A mix of emotions was felt by the team who had achieved so much, but their goal was always to win another.
 
Many will remember this, especially at Westcliff Athletics, as the start of the 'Warrior Dynasty.'
 
Let's take a look back at how the team got here.
 
During the offseason, the Warriors hired Randy Dodge as their new head coach to lead the team in the 2023 season.
 
Dodge is a soccer coaching legend well-known in Southern California and his mission was to get these Warriors over the hump and achieve what hadn't been done before.
 
Dodge and his staff worked tirelessly to get the team prepared to compete at the highest level from the very first game with their sights set on the postseason and nationals.
 
WU made a bold statement in their first three games as they shut out Life Pacific 8-0, Bethesda University 2-0, and Stanton 9-0.
 
One of their biggest wins of the season at that point came against NCAA D1 UCSD, with a score of 2-1.
 
At that point, even Coach Dodge could feel something special brewing with this team with the best yet to come.
 
"Winning at UCSD really answered a lot of questions I had of individuals and the overall group," Dodge said. "You really see your mental resolve when your back is against the wall and to see them respond for one another the way they did I knew we could do some damage."
 
WU won their first six contests before facing UC Merced and receiving their only loss of the season and Cal Pac postseason.
 
After the loss to the Bobcats, the Warriors picked up right where they left off and won the next 11 games which included the Cal Pac Championship game against none other than UC Merced.
 
Westcliff took care of business this time downing the Bobcats 4-2.
 
The Warriors led the nation in shots (406), goals (97), goals per game (5.11), and assists (91) this season. 
 
Several of their members were at the top of the leaderboards in the Cal Pac Conference.
 
Wissem Obeid led the conference in goals scored with 20, John Adekunle was second with 18, and Quentin Hornung came in fourth with 13.
 
Jordan Di Lonardo led the conference in assists with 18, Adekunle was second with 17, Hornung was third with 12, and Obeid was in fifth with 9.
 
All four Warriors dominated the charts and were the first four in shots taken and total points for the season.
 
The offensive power that this team displayed throughout the season was undeniable as they scored 97 goals.
 
But their defensive backline was just as good as they only allowed 14 goals to get by them.
 
As the 2023 season draws to a close for this team, there is much to anticipate as a culture has been established and a foundation laid for future teams.
 
This team was a powerhouse from beginning to end and we'll look back at it being the beginning of something bigger.
 
Something that becomes a staple in the Cal Pac postseason and National Championship.
 
Something we'll call the 'Warrior Dynasty.'