Freshman midfielder Matthew Lariviere scored the first goal of his college career on Tuesday afternoon as Westmont slipped past the Royals of Hope International by a score of 1-0.
Energized and ready to bounce back from their conference loss on Saturday, the Warriors began the game on an offensive stampede. During the first nine minutes of play, the men in maroon recorded three shots (two on goal) and three corner kicks before the Royals even registered an offensive statistic.
The tables then turned in the 18th minute as Hope (2-8-1, 0-2-1) rattled off three unanswered shots over the next five minutes of action. However, at the conclusion of both teams’ offensive assaults, neither had scored.
Although Westmont (6-3, 2-1 GSAC) finished the initial period with six shots (three on goal) and five corners taken, the match featured a scoreless draw at the half.
In the second half, the Warriors continued to pound the Royal defense. After five more shots and two more corners, they finally broke the stalemate.
“Matty came on, beat a guy on the edge of the box, and basically let a spontaneous ball fly on an absolute rip of a shot.” said Westmont coach Dave Wolf of the goal.
Lariviere’s goal in the 72nd minute of match made him the ninth squad member to score during this year’s campaign.
Westmont held Hope to just four shots in each period, while calling on goalkeeper Josh Glover just once over the entire match for a save.
Wolf lauded the play of senior reserve defender Cody Cohen.
“Cody came in towards the end the first half to play right back for Brandon Talsma who wasn’t feeling well. He played the remainder of the first and all of the second, against a pretty tough customer. Today, Cody got his chance, and he definitely did a great job.”
The Warriors are back in action Saturday against Biola in La Mirada.
