Warriors Shake Off Nerves to Best DII CSUDH, 3-0

By Francisco Claudio

 

The Westcliff women's soccer team continued their preparation on the road with an exhibition game against DII Cal State Dominguez Hills.

 

It took the Warriors a little bit to settle down and get used to the conditions of the field before taking control and taking a commanding win, 3-0.

 

"Very nervous at the start of the game," head coach Jack Gidney described the start of the first half. "Took some time to feel comfortable. I credit the coaching staff for a couple of minor tweaks to the system at halftime and then giving the girls belief."

 

The Warriors started the second half with more control, were pressing higher, and forced a couple of errors that led to scoring opportunities.

 

"Felt we could have had more than the three goals," Gidney said. "So many of this team are new and have come from unconventional routes to be with us so they have not shown their confidence and character yet. 

 

"They have so much personality and eagerness to please and to work hard. We were so thrilled for them because they needed this to believe that they were capable of what they thought they were."

 

Westcliff will rest up tonight feeling good about the performance against a good soccer program but the work continues starting next week.

 

"We will rest over the weekend and do everything we can to make sure this isn't a one-off, but a foundation and building block for the season," Gidney said. "Anytime you can beat an NCAA school, particularly a good DII it feels fantastic.

 

"This group has such a high ceiling that if they believe they're capable of great things, they can achieve it."

 

Some players that stood out during tonight's performances were Maria Mendez and Isa Saavedra.

"Mendez was phenomenal," Gidney said. "A constant threat with the ball and pressed fantastically without it. 

 

"Saavedra as well was a real menace leading the press."

With three strikers on the scoresheet and a clean sheet for the back four, there will be many positive takeaways.

 

"Couldn't ask for a better day," Gidney said.

 

Up Next: Warriors will travel next Wednesday, August 30th to Chapman University for an afternoon game at 4 PM.