By Jarred Davis
October 9, 2018
 
(FULLERTON, Calif.) Westmont Men's Soccer (6-4-2, 2-2 GSAC) scored early on the second half and never looked back as they held on for with a 1-0 win against Hope International (5-7, 1-3 GSAC) in today's Golden State Athletic Conference game.
 
"We really needed a win today," said Westmont head coach Dave Wolf. We had to step into a really, really critical situation and find a way to get a result and we were able to do that, so that's a real positive."
 
In the 50^th minute, Panchito Castro made the play of the game after getting a little help from his teammates in Sean Nakaoka and Sam Tuscano.
 
Tuscano drove across the top of the box on the dribble and played Nakaoka, allowing him then to back heel the ball to Castro, setting up the sole goal of the game in route to the Warriors win.
 
For the duo, it marked Castro's fifth goal on the year, while Nakaoka was able to earn his second assist of the season.
 
"He just smoked the ball," said Wolf. He hit it about as hard as you can hit it. "Important goal, second game in a row that [Pancho] has been our goal scorer and it was a very important moment in our season and he delivered big time."
 
In a very intense game that drew nine yellow cards between both teams, the Warriors were able to control the shot margin, (7-3) through 90 minutes of play and (4-0) in the second half alone, not allowing the Royals to find any rhythm late in the game.
 
"Anytime you post a shutout, that's a real positive, when you do that on the road that's even more positive, and I think when you do it on a day where you absolutely need a win is just great to see," added Wolf.
 
"Our group at the back did a good job in front of [Lalo], and I thought defensively for the entire team, it was a good day. Everybody was committed to it, good to come out with the 0 on the scoreboard for them."
 
The Warriors next game is this Saturday at home against The Master's. Kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m.