As in every year since 1965, the Westmont Men’s Soccer team will gather for preseason workouts beginning in early August. Unlike any year before, the Warriors’ camp will be on the fertile soccer soil of Europe.

“I have always wanted to take the team to Europe,” said Head Coach Dave Wolf, “but the timing just hasn’t been right. I made seven European trips as an athlete and know the benefit of putting my team in a soccer rich environment.”

Junior Luke Williams of Boerne, Texas received Honorable Mention recognition as an NAIA All-American. Williams recorded five goals and six assists in the 2004-05 season, doubling his career totals in both categories.

In September, Williams led the Warrior’s to a 3-2 upset of #19 Notre Dame de Namur by recording two unassisted goals (including a golden goal in overtime) and an assist.

“Luke has developed into the best wide player in the region,” noted Head Coach Dave Wolf. “To his credit he has added to his game every year. We’re glad to have him back and look forward to him adding the final piece to that picture - scoring 15-20 goals for us next year.”

Three Westmont Warriors have been named to the 2004 All-Golden State Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer team. Junior midfielder Luke Williams, sophomore midfielder Michael Thompson and sophomore forward Blake Thompson where selected for the honor.

Williams of Boerne, Texas scored five goals for Westmont and recorded six assists during the 2004 season. “Luke has emerged as one of the outstanding players in the conference,” said Warrior Head Coach Dave Wolf. “Luke had a number of outstanding performances in which he was the match winner including our games against Holy Names, Notre Dame de Namur and Concordia. Because of his speed, he is able to get in clean to the goal. Next year we be looking for him to be a factor in more of our games and to make the most of opportunities.” This is the second year in which Williams was select to the All-GSAC team.

Though the Warriors will not be participating in the playoffs this year, the season ended on a positive as Westmont defeated California Baptist 5-0. The first goal came as a result of an own goal by the Lancers, which proved to be the only goal of the first half.

The Warriors added to the lead early in the second half when Carver Peterson passed the ball to Blake Thompson who made a quick, hard shot to score his tenth goal of the year. Sam Hartman scored nine minutes later on a cross from the right side. Ryan Powers and Ryan Warner were credited with assists on Hartman’s goal.

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For the third time this season, and twice in as many days, Westmont played at Al Barbour Field on the campus of Biola University. The new synthetic field turned out to be the only way Westmont could get in all of its games in the midst of an unusually rainy October. The Warriors said farwell to Al Barbour Field with the sweetness of a 5-2 victory over Concordia.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 2-0 victory on two goals by Concordia’s David Webb in the 27th and 33rd minutes. But the Warriors responde quickly, scoring just 48 seconds later when Richie Alcaraz crossed a pass from the left side which found Michael German waiting to record his first goal of the year. 55 seconds after the first goal, Luke Williams connected with Blake Thompson who evened the score at two.

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After a day’s postponement and relocation to Al Barbour Field at Biola University, the Warriors managed to get in a game against #13 Vanguard. Unfortunately, the game did not go Westmont’s way as the Lions defeated the Warriors 3-0.

With a storm brewing, the game remained scoreless throughout the first half with goalkeeper Logan Frank recording three saves. Vanguard broke the ice in the 66th minute on a through ball which Matthew Hess landed for a goal. Nathan Kramer and Mariano Salcedo also scored for the Lions.

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The Cougars of Azusa Pacific (14-0-1, 8-0) extended their conference lead by defeating the Warriors at Russ Carr Field 4-1. Azusa Pacific held a 2-0 lead at the half on goals by Brandon Stirm and Ferguson Agwu. Andriy Budnyy and Kolt Callaway scored in the second half to put the Cougars up 4-0.

Though Westmont outshot the Cougars 18-9, the Warriors could not get on the board until the 71st minute when J.J. Bailey passed the ball to Kevin Saiki who drilled the shot home. The Cougars had a 7-1 advantage on corner kicks.

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Today’s scheduled game at Concordia University in Irvine has been postponed due to weather conditions. The contest has been rescheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28th at Concordia.

The Warriors next game will be a home contest against #3 Azusa Pacific on Saturday, October 23rd. Game time is 1:00 p.m. at Russ Carr Field.