By Ron Smith
October 26, 2024
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) A late goal by Hawai'i Hilo's Mirai Sato spoiled what looked like it would be a home win for Westmont Men's Soccer (7-4-4, 4-3-1 PacWest), turning a near victory into a 1-1 tie.
 
"Overall, I thought the team defended exceptionally well for 85 minutes," said Westmont's head coach Morgan Cathey. "We played a game to get the result and to minimize them from any chances. I think our guys are really bummed, and rightfully so, because they put in such a solid performance. I think we missed one or two moments where we could have punished them with a second goal. Getting the second goal would have changed the game."
 
The first half was indeed a defensive battle. Neither team had a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. At the end of the 63rd minute, Takato Awai finally put the first ball on goal, but Westmont goalkeeper Brady Highfill easily handled the slow roller that was hit directly at him.
 
Westmont had its first shot on goal in the 71st minute. The Warriors' Serkan Durna fired a shot from 30 yards out on the right side. A diving Vulcan goalkeeper kept the ball out of the net. However, that would not be the end of the story.
 
The ball continued past the end line and a corner kick was awarded. Cole Lomeli sent the ball from the left corner to the far side of the goal where it was headed to the right by a Hilo player. The ball went over the right touch line and was quickly picked up by Durna. Just as quickly, the junior threw the ball into Yordan Marinov who served it into the box. From 12-yards out, Micah Wilhelm flicked the ball inside the right post, recording his first collegiate goal.
 
He was instantly mobbed by his teammates.
 
"The story of today is Micah Wilhelm," stated Cathey. "It was a special moment. Micah has earned everything in our program by showing up and working hard every day. He hadn't traveled on any trip until our last trip, which was because of what we saw in training.
 
"We gave him an opportunity in the first half, today, and he played well enough that we gave him another opportunity in the second half. In the first half he almost scored a goal. In the second half, he just missed with one header. Then, the ball came into the box and he got an unbelievable leap on the ball and was able to direct it on frame. It was such a special moment for him and for our program as well.
 
"He is the definition of a walk-on. He came to five ID camps. He was going to come to school at Westmont regardless. He did well enough in the last ID camp that we gave him a roster spot. He has turned that opportunity into providing one of the most important goals of the season for us.
 
"It is so important for our program to have guys like Micah and for them to be rewarded and appreciated. Character outworks talent every day. To have guys that actually believe in being a part of something and will come and add value by working hard, not complaining and not feeling entitled - he is the definition of selfless, hardworking and earning everything."
 
 
Westmont maintained its 1-0 lead until the 86th minute. That's when Palli Ingvason drilled a corner kick from the right side past the face of the goal and Highfill's outstretched fingertips. Sato was able to rise up and head the ball into the net to produce the tie.
 
Despite the tie, Westmont finds itself in an advantageous position headed into the final three games of the season. Westmont and Hawai'i Hilo (9-5-1, 4-4-1) are currently tied for the second-seed in the upcoming PacWest Championship, each with 13 points in the standings (three points for a win, one for a time). However, Hilo has just two games remaining to add to their point total while the Warriors have three. Biola (6-8-1, 4-4) and Dominican (7-6-1, 4-4) are one point back and are also battling for a spot in the four-team tournament.
 
Westmont's final regular season road game will take place next Saturday, November 9, when the Warriors take on Academy of Art (2-9-2, 0-6-1) at Treasure Island Field in San Francisco. The following week, Westmont returns home to conclude the regular season with games against Hawai'i Pacific (3-9, 2-5) on Thursday, November 7, and against Dominican on Saturday, November 9.