Westmont Soccer (6-2-1, 3-0-1 GSAC), ranked at number 25 in the NAIA Coaches Poll released yesterday, survived a battle at Al Barbour Field and defeated Biola (4-4-1, 1-1-1 GSAC) by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday night in a Golden State Athletic Conference game.
The Eagles outshot the Warriors 20-12 and placed nine shots on goal to the Warriors’ eight. However, Westmont keeper Josh Glover recorded eight saves to preserve the win.
In the 20th minute, an assault on the Eagle’s net led to the first Warrior goal. The first shot from Cody Howen was saved by Biola goalkeeper Joshua Crichton. Jonathan Yeeles collected the rebound and fired off a second shot that was once again saved by Crichton. However, Yeeles pounded away again off yet another rebound and this time found the netting.
The Warriors’ second goal came three minutes into the second half. Matt Lariviere beat a defender and then sent a high shot over the keeper’s head.
Less than three minutes later, Biola scored its lone goal. John Hanscom provided a pass to Stephen Tanquary. Tanquary sent a low bullet through a crowd of defenders and into the left side of the goal. Over the next 40 minutes, the Warriors held on to claim the win.
As a result, Westmont remains atop the GSAC standings with 10 points (three points for a win, one for a time). The victory also sets up a showdown on Saturday when the Warriors travel to Fullerton to take on second place Hope International (7-2-1, 3-0) who has tallied nine points.
