The first half was a frustrating one for the seventh-seeded Westmont women’s soccer team. The Warriors, facing No. 10 Science and Arts (OK.), had a bevy of looks at a goal, but the shots either hit the goal, hit the post or hit right into the arms of the opposing keeper.
In the second half, however, Westmont was able to sneak two goals in, helping the team earn a 2-1 victory in the second round of the NAIA tournament in Orange Beach, Ala.
With the win, the Warriors now move into the quarterfinals with a match today against second-seeded Keiser.
After going into the half tied at 0-0, Westmont’s leading scorer Bri Johnson made her presence felt, with the junior forward netting a goal from 20 yards out, finding the left corner of the net in the 48th minute.
Westmont stayed on the attack, hoping to find another goal that would give them some cushion, but instead, the Dovers’ Mackenzie Holub scored the equalizer in the 65th minute.
Not even one minute later, the Warriors went on the attack and Johnson laid a beautiful pass to sophomore Teagan Matye, who found the back of the net to put her team back out in front.
It was just Matye’s second goal of the season after scoring seven in her freshman campaign. It was also the midfielder’s first game-winning goal of the season.
Over the final 25 minutes, the Warriors defense shut things down. In total, Westmont allowed USAO to tally 13 shots of the evening with nine of them being on goal.
In the final 25 minutes, the Dovers only mustered one shot which was saved by junior goalkeeper Gabi Haw, who recorded eight saves on the afternoon.
Haw has not allowed more than one goal in her last six outings.
For Westmont, this is also the team’s first win against a ranked opponent since it’s 3-0 win over Vanguard on October 12.
The Warriors now turn their attention to a tough Seahawks team which has outscored their opponents 12-1 so far this postseason, including an 8-1 over The Master’s in the first round.
The match against Keiser will kick off at 2 p.m. PST.
Email: Jmercado@newspress.com
