FINALS BOUND
Dubs punch ticket with dominant performance
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 | 0 | 1 |
|
|
3 | 2 | 5 |
Team Stats
Pacific Union (CA)
| Game Statistics | Pacific Union (CA) | Westcliff (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 7 (1) | 38 (20) |
| Saves | 15 | 0 |
| Fouls | 7 | 10 |
| Corner Kicks | 2 | 12 |
| Offsides | 2 | 7 |
By Brandon Petersen
Westcliff men's soccer is heading back to the Cal Pac Championship match after overpowering Pacific Union 5–1 in Sunday's semifinal at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana.
The Warriors (10-4-2) struck early and never looked back, scoring three times in the opening 41 minutes before sealing the result with a dominant second half.
Jordan Di Lonardo opened the scoring in the fourth minute off assists from Jakob Hustoft and Lucas Rosell, who later added a goal of his own to make it 2–0.
Pacific Union briefly pulled one back in the 35th minute, but Martin Slatsve restored the two-goal cushion just before halftime.
In the second half, Adi Vaknin and Slatsve each found the net again as Westcliff poured on the pressure, outshooting Pacific Union 38–7 and earning 12 corner kicks.
"You know what, listen, it's a playoff game. I thought we came out and we were very focused," head coach Randy Dodge said. "We've been in a good spot for the last couple of weeks. I think right now we're clicking on all cylinders. And listen, when it comes to the final, anything can happen. But all you want to do getting there is be on the right page.
"Everything that we've worked for since August and having it come together is huge. So really proud of the boys of them coming together and just getting better. Just getting better as men, as players on the field and off."
Westcliff will face the winner of Simpson vs. Stanton Tuesday back at Saddleback for the Cal Pac tournament championship.