In a thrilling conclusion to the Pacific West Conference tournament, Westmont University clinched the men’s soccer championship on Saturday afternoon at Kennelly Field in San Rafael, Calif. The Warriors overcame a scoreless first half to outscore Hawaii Pacific University 3–2 in the final 15 minutes.
Second‑half surge decides the title
The opening half was a physical battle, with both squads committing a combined 14 fouls but failing to find the net. The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute when defender Cash Anderholt headed home a set‑piece delivered by Tiago Aranibar and Julius Oehmichen.
Westmont doubled its lead just eight minutes later. Substitute forward Weston Ash received a precise pass from Micah Maljian and finished to make it 2–0.
Hawaii Pacific responded quickly, with Kelly Takara scoring in the 70th minute to pull the Sharks within one goal. The Warriors restored a two‑goal cushion in the 75th minute when Aranibar provided his second assist of the night, threading a ball to Luis Cortes, who struck home for a 3–1 advantage.
Hawaii Pacific trimmed the margin to 3–2 in the 83rd minute on a goal by Olle Ridelius off a cross from Takara, but Westmont’s defense held firm for the remaining seven minutes, sealing the victory.
Coaches and players celebrate the win
Head Coach Morgan Cathey praised his squad’s resilience: “You don’t play finals, you win them. These guys won every duel, won the mental side, and stayed focused throughout. I’m incredibly humbled by their hard work.”
Midfielder Joey Angelo, who played the full 90 minutes, added, “It comes from passion and commitment—those are the key pillars the coaching staff stressed. When you’re playing for something bigger than yourself, for your faith, the brotherhood, and the coaching staff, those are the things that push you when you’re tired.”
Defender Barrett “Bear” Goodman was named PacWest Defender of the Tournament. He reflected on his comeback from a year‑long injury: “It means a lot to me. I came back from an ACL and meniscus injury and not playing for a whole year. To get another chance to play again, play for my boys, and play for all the guys who put their heart and soul into this—I’m so happy for my coaches and everyone for believing in us.”
What’s next for Westmont
With the conference title, Westmont secures the PacWest’s automatic berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. The selection show airs Monday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET on NCAA.com, and the first round is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
Coach Cathey summed up the moment: “We will soak up this moment because it’s important to celebrate. Our guys show unbelievable commitment through all the hardships. They’re not phased by anybody, and I think our guys will rise to the occasion to represent Westmont, God, and the brotherhood.”
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
