Biola derailed Westmont’s dream, outshooting the Warriors 28-7, and outscoring the Warriors 2-1 in a GSAC men’s soccer semifinal on Saturday in La Mirada.
“I thought our guys maxed it out today,” expressed Westmont head coach Dave Wolf. “Playing on the road against a team that had a bye was a huge task for our group. They gave everything that they had to give, and as a result of that, they’ll get through this pretty quickly. It’s painful right now, but they’ll soon be able to reflect on what really was a tremendous season for our team.”
Biola senior forward Daniel Chew, who performed dazzlingly in the two team’s previous matchup, recording a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes, harassed the Warriors throughout the match. Fellow Eagles Michael Kute and John Hanscom also tested the Warriors’ back line, rocketing multiple shots wide and high during the initial period.
However, at the 23:28 mark, Westmont senior midfielder Sean Siemens delivered another offensive masterpiece. Beginning wide on the left side, Siemens outran his defender, juked a lingering Eagle, and unleashed a strike that found the back of the net.
With 13:40 remaining in the first half, what would have been Chew’s 16th goal of the season, as well as Biola’s equalizer, was disqualified after Chew was deemed offside.
Nevertheless, with the clock dwindling down before the half, Biola would find their rejoinder. With 1:08 left on the board, Eagles’ senior defender Kevin Kiser relayed a free kick into the penalty area from 40 yards out. After confusion in the box by Westmont’s defense, the ball scampered past Warriors’ goalkeeper Josh Glover to tie the game at one all.
For the majority of the second half, each team traded offensive opportunities, desperately attempting to destroy the deadlock. Then, with 3:18 remaining, Westmont was dealt a crippling blow.
Biola sophomore forward Stephen Tanquary overtook a Warriors defender and belted a shot from 10 yards out. The ball barely evaded the outstretched arms of Glover and the Eagles celebrated what would ultimately be the decisive score.
With the loss, Westmont’s season has concluded. However, the Warriors have plenty to celebrate, amassing the program’s best win/loss record since 2008.
“Obviously anytime your season comes to a close there are a million different emotions that come colliding together,” vocalized Westmont head coach Dave Wolf. “A lot of my thoughts are directed towards my seniors. Their investment in this program is largely why this year was so terrific. Their leadership really had an impact on this team, as well as the coaching staff.”
