“We played a great first half of soccer,” said Head Coach Dan Ribbens. “Our possessions were outstanding.” Still, the first half ended in a scoreless tie as Westmont battled #19 Concordia (6-6-1, 5-2).

The game’s first goal came just two minutes into the second half. “We had a defensive lapse,” explained Ribbens. “The goal went against the play of the game.” The Eagles’ Amber Cappello found herself one-on-one with Warrior’s keeper Emalia Cornwell and initiated the scoring with the goal. Cornwell recorded ten saves in the game.

In the 58th minute, freshman Kayla Crandall took a pass from Jessica Schoepke and launched a left-footed shot from 20 yards out to the far post. The ball bounced off the post and into the net for the score. “It was the goal of the year,” said Ribbens.

72 minutes into the game, senior Naomi Cavaliere entered the game at the left back position. Five minutes later, she was moved to left half. “A minute later, Naomi goes flying to the left post calling for the ball,” reported Ribbens. “Kristi Peich made a perfect pass and Naomi booted it in. It was a very mature play and Naomi had a great touch. It was the second goal of the year in the game.”

Concordia Head Coach Hamid Sedehi commented about Westmont, “They are a young, growing team and they are coming into their own. Their preseason record doesn’t indicate how strong that team really is. They play like the defending national champions that they are, taking advantage of every little opportunity.”

The win moves the Warriors into third place in the GSAC standing with a record of 5-1-1. On Saturday, the Warriors (8-5-1, 5-1-1) will host #2 Azusa Pacific (10-0-1, 6-0) at 3:00 p.m.

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