Warriors Dominate the Elks

By: Chase Dodge

Westcliff Warriors hosted the Stanton University Elks in their last non-conference match before conference.

Game started off with Stanton firing a lot of shots making the Warriors work. The opening 15 minutes saw Jesse Heredia make 2 impressive saves to keep the Elks off the board.

It took the Warriors about 20 minutes to figure out Stanton's formation and how to break it. Westcliff started putting shots on frame with a couple of close shots that were deflected by the Keeper or yet again hitting the goalpost.

30 Seconds left in the half saw the Warriors earn their one and only corner kick of the night. No problem for All Cal Pac Midfielder Jordan Di Lonardo. Di Lonardo sent the ball into traffic that was poked in by Finn Jutner for his 1st goal of the season.

Halftime Warriors were able to debrief and talk strategy. The one theme that kept on coming up was keep the foot on the gas. The Elks will fold after the 2nd goal falls in. 

That is exactly what happened in the opening minutes of the 2nd half. A shot on goal from Jordan Di Lonardo that was uncontrolled by the keeper. Jose Urdiano Morales was able to fight with the Elks Keeper and poke the ball away from him. The Ball was able to find the back of the net for the 2-0 lead against Stanton.

Warriors were in full control of the game. In the 56th minute a cross from Lennard Schneider was able to find a wide open Martin Slatsve to go up 3-0.

Warriors however were not done. 65th minute a ball poked away at midfield from Jose Urdiano Morales saw a Finn Juttner about 45 yards out and a way too high keeper. Juttner was able to chip the ball the half length of the field to a desperate diving keeper. Too little, too late as the ball was able to go right over him for the 4th goal of the night for the Warriors.

Stanton was able to avoid the shutout with a garbage time goal that had no impact on the game. Warriors earn the dominate win against the Elks heading into conference play.

Westcliff will be hosting the Simpson Redhawks on Sunday in the OC Great Park Soccer Stadium at 2:00pm