Two Seasons, Two Postseasons

By Brandon Petersen

For the second straight season, and for the second time in its brief two-year history of associated play, the Westcliff men's soccer team is headed to the playoffs. 

Not only did Westcliff clinch the postseason with a 2-1 win at Park-Gilbert Thursday, the Warriors also put themselves in position to win the Cal Pac outright. 

If Westcliff (8-1-1) beats Embry-Riddle (9-1) Saturday in Arizona, and then downs Providence Christian next Thursday at the Great Park, the Warriors will be Cal Pac champions.

The Warriors won their sixth straight Cal Pac contest Thursday in come-from-behind fashion. 

After a scoreless first half, Park's Cale Christner broke the scoreless tie in the 55th minute.

But Westcliff responded with a pair of goals from Alessandro Lagona (61st) and Lucas Rosell (86th).

Max Simonis and Jordan Di Lonardo assisted on the Lagona goal. 

The Warriors out-shot Park 15-8 and took six more corners. 

Noah Schwengeler picked up his ninth win of the season on three saves. 

Westcliff kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Eagles suffered a 2-0 loss to UC Merced last Saturday.

Westcliff's only loss was to UC Merced on a last-minute goal to open Cal Pac play. 

If Westcliff wins out, Embry-Riddle wins its final contest, and UC Merced wins out, the final point standings would be Westcliff 31, Embry-Riddle 30, UC Merced 30.