By Brandon Petersen
A year ago, the Westcliff men's soccer team turned in an unprecedented season.
It was the first Warrior team to reach the postseason and the first to bring home a postseason win.
Quentin Hornung, after tearing through the Cal Pac with ridiculous numbers, became Westcliff's first All American.
Hornung was named the Cal Pac's best player, and Jakob Shnitzler was named its best defender.
But after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Marymount California in the Cal Pac tournament semifinals, many around the program couldn't help but feel the season ended too soon.
A year later, much has changed.
Marymount doesn't exist anymore, Schnitzler abandoned ship for Joey O'Keefe and Biola, and several of Westcliff's top performers from a season ago graduated.
But Westcliff men's soccer doesn't rebuild — it reloads.
"We expect to continue to build on the team chemistry from last year," Westcliff head coach Tom Lancaster said. "We continue to improve our standards both athletically and in the classroom.
"We have set high standards for this season and so far the guys have passed them with flying colors."
Lancaster expects to improve on the Warriors' 13-2-2 record in NAIA play a year ago.
"We see winning the Cal Pac and heading out to the national tournament as realistic targets if we continue to stick together and work hard," he said.
The Warriors officially begin the season Aug. 27th at San Diego Christian, and open the home slate on Aug. 31st against Life Pacific at the Great Park.
NAIA No. 10 OUAZ visits the Great Park on Sept. 3, and the Warriors will face three other nationally recognized squads in Menlo (Sept. 5), UC Merced (Sept. 16) and Embry-Riddle (Oct. 22).
The Cal Pac format has changed this season. Gone is the pod-play format and in its place a more traditional 13-team league will compete with one contest against each league opponent.
"I am pleased with the changes the Cal Pac has made," Lancaster said. "The structure of the league and the tournament is a lot better."
Lancaster says the Warriors are particularly looking forward to their contest against Embry-Riddle in Prescott, AZ, and their first-ever contest against reigning league champion UC Merced.
Last season, Embry-Riddle tied the Warriors in Irvine on an illegal goal the referees mistakenly counted after the final buzzer sounded.
The Eagles then popped Westcliff at home to claim the pod and the higher tournament seed, though they were bounced in the first round by Marymount.
This season, the Warriors enter the fray battle-hardened. They now understand what it takes to win the Cal Pac.
In order to do that, players like Justin Devlin and Jonas Jansen will have to maintain their health throughout the season and remain available for their teammates.
Lancaster reports both are hungrier than ever to do just that.
Devlin, Westcliff's emotional leader, is joined by Janis Hinterleitner as veterans many newcomers will look to for guidance.
Of course, Hornung provides leadership by example, as does Mosue Silva. They aren't the most vocal, but their work ethic is infectious.
"We have a lot of leaders on the team," Lancaster said. "Justin wears his heart on his sleeve and is a strong voice for our team. Janis offers great insight, and Silva leads with his demeanor and through the way he plays."
Lancaster is also pleased with his group of talented newcomers.
"We are expecting a lot from them," he said.
The head coach pointed to Rui Tsubakihara as an example of a newcomer who has adapted well to the program.
"Rui has settled in really quickly and brings energy and quality," Lancaster said. "I am excited to see him play."
Although it won't count on the schedule, Westcliff will have an emotionally-charged contest right out of the gate tomorrow, when it travels up the 5 to meet an old friend who still has eyes on his old roster.
The Warriors kick off with O'Keefe, Schnitzler and Biola at 7 p.m. in La Mirada.
To contact Brandon Petersen, e-mail brandonpetersen@westcliff.edu.
