Warriors Even Up with Westmont

By Brandon Petersen

It wasn't the Warriors most important contest — a final tune-up before Cal Pac play starts Friday — but it was an opportunity to match up against a nationally-ranked opponent and see where Westcliff stood.

Considering the Warriors didn't play their best match, and were missing a number of key contributors, it was a successful outing. 

Westcliff started the match with a number of golden opportunities, one of which they connected on, then battled tooth-and-nail from there to hang on for a 1-1 tie with No. 8 Westmont Monday at the Great Park. 

"It would have been nice to have a victory," Christine Thorvaldsen said. "It was a good fight, overall I'm proud."

In the 18th minute, Angelina Espinal set up a beautiful corner set-piece that Marthe Engelstad headed into net for a picture-perfect goal and an early 1-0 lead. 

Down a score to a club they underestimated, Westmont 's urgency picked up from there and they mostly controlled possession after the 25th minute, ultimately outshooting Westcliff 25-8 on the day. 

But Dubs keeper Ana Martinez Moreno was lights out, making a number of impressive stops, including a diving save in the second half to finish with seven total.

Player of the Match honors went to Thorvaldsen, however, after Westcliff's star defender helped shut down Westmont's impressive attack. 

Matched up on the wing against some of Westmon't best players, including Reese Davidson and Sadie Hill — a rangy former star at Pacifica Christian high school — Thorvaldsen was her usual relentless self, battling for every 50-50 and winning more often than not. 

"Definitely, we need to score more," Thorvaldsen said. "The first 25 minutes we were so dominant, it should have been way more than 1-0 going into half. If we would have popped it there, we definitely would have gotten the victory."

Sebelle Rojas was particularly effective on the wing and Maria Mendez played well at the outset of the contest, leading to Westcliff's early opportunities. 

Amarys Machado tied the game up for Westmont in the 48th minute. 

On Friday, the Warriors (1-1-1) host UC Merced at Las Lomas Park to kick off Cal Pac play. 

"This week will be all about preparing for that one," Thorvaldsen said. "Look at how (the Bobcats) play, and make sure we set our goals."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.