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Men's Soccer

Westmont Capitalizes on Few Chances

AZUSA, CALIF. – Westmont didn't get many opportunities, but it capitalized on the few it got and posted a 2-1 upset victory over previously unbeaten Azusa Pacific Friday night in a key GSAC contest in Azusa.
 
The loss drops the Cougars to 7-1-2 overall, 3-1 GSAC and improves Westmont to 6-2-2, 3-1 GSAC.
 
The Cougars peppered Westmont GK David Jay all night long, out shooting the Warriors, 12-3, but Jay came up with several clutch saves, including 2 in the final minute to thwart any hopes of a Cougar comeback.
 
"The first half, they were all over us," said Azusa Pacific first-year head coach Phil Wolf. "Our guys showed heart and courage, and we took the game to them in the second half. We were a bit unlucky not to tie the game at 2-2, but when there is two great teams playing, it comes down to who finishes the chances."
 
The Warriors scored a goal midway through the first half, and then added a much-needed insurance tally at the start of the second half. The Cougars were able to cut the deficit in half, and then despite a furious charge were unable to get the equalizer.
 
Westmont was awarded a free kick from 40 yards out at the 29-minute mark. John Krill took the kick, and Ben Meek headed it across the goalmouth to a waiting Ben Bingham, who promptly headed into the net giving the Warriors the early lead.
 
Just 5 minutes in the second half, Westmont's Mark Oehlman picked up an errant Cougar pass and one-timed it past a frozen Cougar GK Scott Strahammer (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator HS).
 
Twenty minutes later, the Cougars found the net when freshman Vincent Kofa (Denver, Colo./Horizon HS) crossed the ball across to fellow freshman Lein Shanahan (Claremont, Calif./Claremont HS), who sent the ball to the far post and into the net.
 
"I told my guys before the game, and I told them after the game, that this won't be the last time we see them this year," said Wolf. "If you are going to give me the choice of winning the first match or the second match, I'll take the second every day."
 
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Players Mentioned

Scott Strahammer

#1 Scott Strahammer

GK
6' 3"
Senior
Lein Shanahan

#15 Lein Shanahan

F/MF
6' 1"
Freshman
Vincent Kofa

#21 Vincent Kofa

F
6' 0"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Scott Strahammer

#1 Scott Strahammer

6' 3"
Senior
GK
Lein Shanahan

#15 Lein Shanahan

6' 1"
Freshman
F/MF
Vincent Kofa

#21 Vincent Kofa

6' 0"
Freshman
F