By Ron Smith
September 14, 2023
 
(SAN MARCOS, Calif.) Westmont Men's Soccer (0-4-1) took a large step forward today in its quest to prepare for the upcoming PacWest season. The Warriors recorded a 2-2 tie against the Cougars of Cal State San Marcos (3-0-1).
 
"I thought throughout the game today we definitely created a lot of opportunities to get the ball into their attacking third," assessed Westmont's head coach Morgan Cathey. "I think the only difficulty for us was executing a lot of our final actions. I just watched about 30 minutes of the game film and I think we did a lot better than I even initially thought. It is always a nice thing when you watch film and you are impressed."
 
After the Cougars went up 1-0 in the 16th minute off a goal from Baker Brooklyn, Westmont's Braeden Pryor recorded the Warriors' first goal in the 25th minute. The Warriors had been awarded a free kick near the end line on the left-hand side.
 
"The first goal was a set piece goal," reported Cathey. "It was a well worked service from Erik Guerrero. Braeden lost his mark and had a towering header where he skyed above the goalkeeper and kept his header on frame. That is not easy to do."
 
Pryor's header was taken from near the top of the six-yard box.
 
In the 62nd minute, Westmont took a 2-1 lead on a penalty kick.
 
"It was a well worked ball where Braeden cut the ball back," described Cathey. "We had our initial shot blocked and Eric pounced on the second ball. It was an incredible moment of desire for Erik to get his foot in before the defender went to clear the ball. He ended up kicking Erik, which won us a penalty kick. Landon Amaral calmly dispatched the penalty kick."
 
The successful PK by Amaral was not the only thing that caught the coach's eye.
 
"Throughout the match, Landon was very present defending in the box. He had two big time blocks and a few clearances on set pieces. For us to win the set-piece differential was a huge impact for us on the game."
 
The Warriors lead lasted just four minutes before Baker scored again, this time assisted by Curtis Callazos, making the score 2-2.
 
"We definitely fought very hard in the game and it is becoming a staple for us over our first five games that we have not allowed the opponent to find success in what they do well," said Cathey. "San Marcos was uncomfortable throughout the game. They are a team that has done very well in imposing themselves. I am proud of our guys for not letting that happen. San Marcos' opportunities came off of mistakes that we made and we are continuing to minimize those mistakes."
 
The Warriors return home to take on The Master's at Thorrington Field on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.