Dubs Strike First, Can’t Hang on at College of Idaho

By Brandon Petersen

For about 20 minutes of the second half of Saturday's 2-1 second round loss at the College of Idaho, the formula was working once again.

Despite being out-shot by the Yotes 13-2 in the first half, the Westcliff women's soccer team once again made good on their limited opportunities and found net on just their third shot.

At the 55:11 mark, Jordyn Gather for Jysabella Tolentino for a shocking 1-0 lead, and suddenly the upset was in reach.

"It was a wonderful bit of skill from Andrea Reyes to wriggle through midfield and release Jordyn Gather," Westcliff head coach Jack Gidney said. "And we know if you get the ball to Jay in the box, she will bury it.

"A real poacher's goal from her on a day when I actually thought she was excellent defensively for us in the structures."

Gidney said the Warriors were lucky to escape the first half with a clean sheet, but the floodgates eventually broke and in the 74^th minute the Yotes equalized.

Ten minutes later, College of Idaho took the lead, then held on the rest of the way and the Warriors' incredible 2024 run finally came to an end.

"Unfortunately, we played a top team less than 48 hours after we went 110 minutes in the rain," Gidney said. "They're fresh, having not played, and they're in their home stadium.

"Everything would have to go perfect to overcome it. Sadly, it was just one too far – fatigue kicks in and bodies start to break."

Gidney credited Idaho's front four, which he says contains "wonderful talent."

"They caused us problems at a lot of levels, and they punished us late," Gidney said. "Credit to Idaho. I wish them the best of luck in the next round. They were wonderful hosts to us."

Regardless of how it ended, the Warriors turned in an epic season that only themselves envisioned at the start of things in July.

After winning the Cal Pac in 2022, then falling victim to an endless stream of injuries and setbacks in 2023, Westcliff bounced back emphatically and emerged as the cream of the Cal Pac crop once again in 2024.

"An incredible season," Gidney said. "History makers. I am so proud to be associated with them, to know them, and to get up and go to work with them every day.

"A special, special group."

Alberte Angersbach, who exploded onto the college scene four years ago when she sent in a rocket goal from midfield, was proud of her teammates after the loss.

"Tough game against the No. 5 team in the country," she said. "We stuck to our game plan, and it paid off – we got the first goal of the game. The result wasn't in our favor today, but I am beyond proud of all the girls, and the season that we have had.

"It has been unforgettable. It's been a season filled with hard work and determination which resulted in titles such as conference and tournament champions, and an appearance at nationals. The season was filled with great memories on and off the field.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us this season. Our accomplishments could not have been done alone."

Angersbach, the Sr. from Albertslund, Denmark, a multi-year captain, and an integral part of the culture of Westcliff Athletics, earned three rings as a Warrior – two tournament championship wins, and a regular season championship to boot.

In May, she will accomplish the ultimate goal – graduation.

"It's hard to accept that my time as a college player is done," Angersbach said. "It has been four great years with ups and down, wins and losses, injuries, but most importantly, great, great memories.

"I am beyond thankful for the time I have had at Westcliff and all the people I have met along the way, whether it was in the classroom, or on and off the field. I know I have created memories for life, and relationships with people I know will last a lifetime regardless of where we are in the world.

"Thank you to all my teammates and coaches I have had throughout these four years and thank you to all the people I have met along the way. It has truly been a pleasure."