Three first-half goals by senior midfielder Johnny Alcaraz and a five-save shutout by junior Justin Etherton resulted in Westmont Men’s Soccer recording their third conference win of the season, a 3-0 victory over San Diego Christian (6-9, 0-8). The Warriors (7-7, 2-6), out shot the Hawks 14-9 in the game and recorded nine shots on goal to the Hawk’s five.

Alcaraz’ first goal came on a penalty kick in the eleventh minute of play to give the Warriors an early lead. In the eighteenth minute, the senior captain extended the lead off an assist from freshman Dan Sargent. Alcaraz scored again just before the end of the first half on an unassisted goal. The hat trick is the first for Alcaraz in his collegiate career.

As a result of the win, Westmont has moved into sole possession of seventh place in the Golden State Athletic Conference with nine points in the conference standings (three points for a win, one for a tie). The spot is both significant and precarious. It is significant because seven teams may advance from the GSAC to the NAIA Region II Tournament. It is precarious because Hope International, California Baptist and Biola which are tied for eighth place all have two conference games remaining and therefore two opportunities each to add to their six points apiece.

Hope International will play #2 Azusa Pacific (currently in first place) on Tuesday and #11 Fresno Pacific, (currently in fourth) on Saturday. Biola and California Baptist are scheduled to play each other on Tuesday. Biola will then play San Diego Christian on Saturday while Westmont will host California Baptist on Saturday.

If it should come down to a tie-breaker, the first criteria considered would be head-to-head competition. Westmont defeated Biola last Tuesday but lost to Hope International on September 29.

Two factors will determine whether the GSAC has six or seven entrants into the regional tournament. First, whether the California Pacific Conference can qualify two teams and second, whether one of two independents would qualify for post-season play.

Holy Names is currently leading the Cal-Pac with a record of 4-0 and is expected to earn the automatic berth from that conference. Should the Hawks lose any of their last three games, another team could receive the automatic berth and Holy Names could receive an at large bid, reducing the GSAC teams to six.

Of the two independent teams, Cal State San Marcos has amassed a record of 6-9 but has lost to all five GSAC schools which it has faced, including Westmont, which makes it unlikely that it would qualify for the post-season tournament. Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) has put together a 10-5 record but has lost to both GSAC teams which it has faced. The Eagle’s chance of qualifying is unclear. If either independent qualified for the post-season, it would likely further reduce the number of entrants from the GSAC.

One thing is clear - the final regular season game of the season against California Baptist will be a meaningful game and the winner might be headed to the regional tournament.

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