Westmont Wins Playoff Marathon

AZUSA, CALIF. -- A record crowd of over 1,200 came to the Canyon City to see a classic. They got one and then some.

Westmont, ranked No. 19, in the final NAIA Coaches Poll, scored in the 126^th minute to upset No. 2-ranked Azusa Pacific, 2-1, to win the regional championship and earn an automatic berth into next week's NAIA Championship Tournament in Albuquerque, N.M.

Ben Meek's second goal of the game, a header that shot straight down and then rebounded high into the net, ended the marathon game and gave Westmont its 17^th berth into the NAIA Tournament.

Azusa Pacific appeared to be in control for much of regulation. The Cougars assumed a quick 1-0 lead when Matt Hall knocked in a loose ball from 8 yards out. Warrior keeper David Jay fumbled a Jeff Johnson cross, and Hall took advantage of the opportunity to score his third goal of the season.

However, Meek went to work in the second half. He scored the game's equalizer in the 62^nd minute when his 4-yard header off a long Hugo Llamas direct kick sailed over the out stretched arms of Cougar keeper Scott Strahammer.

The game stayed knotted at 1-1 even though both teams had a couple of opportunities to win. Azusa Pacific's best chance came in the second OT when Dan Wilson headed a Matt Evans corner kick. Wilson's attempt hit the cross bar and sailed over the net. Strahammer then had to make a couple of point blank saves just to force the third OT, one coming off a Dana Weymouth shot from 5 yards.

Meek's game-winning goal came off a John Kirll corner kick that arched into a crowd of players on the far post. Meek, however, was head and shoulders above the rest. And now so too is Westmont.

With the win, Westmont takes an 18-4 record to Albuquerque. Azusa Pacific, which has its 15-game unbeaten streak snapped, has its season come to an end at 17-2-1.

GAME STATS
Score by Periods 1 2 OT OT OT Final
Westmont 0 1 0 0 1 -- 2
Azusa Pacific 1 0 0 0 0 -- 1

Goals: Matt Hall (APU) 5:12 (Johnson)
Ben Meek (WC) 61:06 (Llamas)
Ben Meek (WC) 125:51 (Krill)

Shots: WC 9, APU 10
Corners: WC 4, APU 11
Fouls: WC 18, APU 19

Saves: David Jay (WC) 4
Scott Strahammer (APU) 5

Cards: none

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Players Mentioned

#1 Scott Strahammer: GK; 6' 3"; Junior

#4 Dan Wilson: D; 6' 1"; Junior

#7 Matt Hall: D/M; 5' 11"; Junior

#11 Matt Evans: M; 6' 0"; Junior

#18 Jeff Johnson: D; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#1 Scott Strahammer
: 6' 3"; Junior
: GK

#4 Dan Wilson
: 6' 1"; Junior
: D

#7 Matt Hall
: 5' 11"; Junior
: D/M

#11 Matt Evans
: 6' 0"; Junior
: M

#18 Jeff Johnson
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: D