Defense Locks Down #22 Southern Oregon

By: Chase Dodge

The #23 Westcliff Warriors hosted the #22 Southern Oregon Raiders for a Top 25 Matchup.

Boy it did not disappoint it was a tough battle as both sides had opportunities in the 1st half to get on the board.

It wasn't until 2 minutes before halftime that Facundo Palacio found Martin Slatsve that gave the Warriors the 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Raiders came out strong in the 2nd half but was quickly denied by a strong Warrior defense.

Warriors defense won that game as every ball in the air from a corner or free kick was knocked away. Raiders were getting increasingly frustrated at the lack on shots being generated past our defense.

The Warriors still applied pressure to the #22 SOU. A corner kick taken by Jordan Di Lonardo found the feet of Jose Urdiano Morales that gave the Warriors the 2-0 lead.

Warriors continued to deny any Raider momentum in the defensive third. Player of the Match Jonas Jansen was crucial in the shutout against the Raiders.

Jansen played right back and right center back after an cramped up Toby Squire had to come off. Captian Janis Hinterleitner also contributed with winning balls in the air and disrupting lanes.

Warriors limited the Raiders to 0 shots on goal with a total of 8 shots all of them going wide and off frame.

Coaches' Notes

"I am very proud of this team that played an excellent 90 minutes against a very talented Southern Oregon. I found out a lot of good things from players that I wasn't expecting from.

You go into a season you always question do these guys have the character and fortitude to win championships. This group showed me that they can.

And we dominated, we didn't give up any chances and we dominated with 17 players playing. We are without some of our best players but these guys are finding ways to get results and compete.

But this win doesn't mean anything if we can't get a result on Sunday against Carroll." Coach Dodge

Westcliff Warriors are back home at the OC Great Park on Sept.15 at 5:00pm.