By Ron Smith
October 10, 2024
 
(COSTA MESA, Calif.) The defense for Westmont Men's Soccer (5-3-3, 2-2 PacWest) recorded its third shutout of the year in a 1-0 win at Vanguard (3-3-1, 2-2) on Thursday afternoon.
 
"It was a game of minimal chances at both ends," reported Westmont's head coach Morgan Cathey. "We only gave up two shots on goal, one of which was very tame. They had one moment to get in on goal. The game today was defined in these very small margins."
 
The first and only goal came in just the ninth minute of play. Daniel Tuscano popped up a ball into the air inside the box. Then, Michael Stull headed the ball down to Erik Guerrero on the right side. Guerrero ran on the ball and hit a low shot into the far netting.
 
The goal was the sixth of the year for Guerrero who is tied with Lucas Ribeiro of Fresno Pacific for the most by a PacWest men's soccer player. Tuscano picked up his fourth assist of the season and Stull his first.
 
"The first few minutes, we were in such control," assessed Cathey. "After the first goal, we had one or two other chances early on in the game where I thought we were going to score a couple more goals. Throughout the rest of the first half, I think we didn't take the chances.
 
"Going into the second half, Vanguard changed and was putting more pressure higher up the field. We had to bypass their pressure a little bit more, and we were again just one pass away from a real quality chance. Their goalkeeper did a good job of coming for any service that wasn't pinpoint. I had no idea that we would be minimized to such a small shot count."
 
The Warriors were limited to three shots on the day.
 
Over the final 81 minutes, Westmont displayed its defensive prowess.
 
The Lions took 14 shots but put just two on goal, both of which were saved by Westmont goalkeeper Brady Highfill. The most dramatic save came in the final minute of play off a free kick by Adan Alvarado.  Tyler Miramontes, standing inside the box, headed Alvarado's freekick, redirecting it to the goal. However, Highfill grabbed the ball as it sailed on a path that would have carried it just underneath the crossbar. That proved to be the Lions' last chance.
 
"I am really proud of Isaiah Pichon, Cash Anderholt, Landon Amaral, Barrett Goodman and Luis Cortes," said Cathey of his defensive crew. "Leo Olivo Ortiz chipped in the last few minutes to help us lock down the back line.
 
"Landon came up with an unbelievable sliding challenge. It was top class and kept us in the game. It was a game-defining moment.
 
"I thought Donovan Howat and Daniel were excellent in the defensive midfield as well. Brady controlled the backline really well. He was super mature today on both sides of the ball. He was good in possession and good out of possession as well.
 
"It is great to feel the confidence of defending like that for as long as we did. That is what we needed in this game and what we have been working on all week. I am incredibly proud of our guys to put in the shift that we did and to minimize this opponent in difficult conditions."
 
The Warriors continue PacWest play this week when they host the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific (2-3-4, 1-2) on Saturday at Thorrington Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. with a women's game slated for 3:15.