Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

Article by: Max Klein

WHITTIER, Calif. - In what could prove to be a turning point in the season, the Whittier College Men's Soccer Team defeated the visiting Bulldogs of the University of Redlands 1-0 Wednesday night.

The win marks the first time in five years that Whittier has successfully defended their home field against the Bulldogs. It also pushes the Poets record to 5-3-1, 3-3-1 in SCIAC play.

"Tonight was a big win for us because we proved to ourselves that we're at our best when we play physical, fast, strong Whittier soccer and enjoy ourselves", explained Head Coach Shea Harwell.  "It was nice to see the guys play so fearlessly and really have fun.  Jorge Rivas (Lake Forest, Calif.) was an absolute rock for us in the goal and Moncef Bouzar (Salinas, Calif.) came up huge for us to score the game winner.  We look forward to our next opportunity to play this Saturday against La Verne."

The game started well for the Poets, as they controlled the lion's share of possession for the first ten minutes.  As the game progressed, Redlands started to create chances for themselves and put pressure on the Whittier defenders.

The Bulldogs first real chance came in the 19th minute when they streaked down the right side of the pitch and cut the ball back into the center of the box, where the ensuing shot was sent high over the bar.

Sophomore goalkeeper Rivas made an absolutely spectacular save seven minutes later.  The ball appeared headed for the back of the net, but Rivas was able to get a foot to it just before it crossed the line.

Rivas was then called back into action in the 37th minute, as Redlands curled a free kick into the box that went uncleared.  Rivas was forced to make another kick save to keep the score level.

The second half kept the Poets on their toes, as the goalpost was needed to keep Redlands out just a few minutes after the intermission ended.

A great chance for the Poets came in the 62nd minute when senior Brian Russell (Torrance, Calif.) cut into the box and played a pass to junior Denzel Hartshorn (Grand Junction, CO).  Hartshorn's shot attempt forced the Bulldog keeper into a diving save to keep the Poets off the board.

Then, in the 82nd minute, the Poets finally found the back of the net.  Following a foul, the ensuing ball was played just on top of the box, which fell to junior Bouzar at the 18.  Bouzar calmly collected the ball onto his off foot and curled the ball to the top right corner of the goal to give the Purple and Gold the lead.

A minute later, Rivas was asked to make one last major save to keep the victory intact.  A free kick was played into the box and headed towards the goal, but Rivas made sure the ball didn't find its desired target.  The Bulldogs would come away with another four shots to end the period with Rivas making another three saves and the other hitting the crossbar and bouncing straight down and out that nerved the Poet sideline. 

Redlands controlled every facet of the game in shots (21-8) and Corner Kicks (11-3)

Rivas played one of his best games of the season finishing with 12 saves, while Connor Tait-Mole (Livermore, Calif.) took two shots to lead the offensive unit.  Redlands controlled every facet of the game in shots (21-8) and Corner Kicks (11-3) but the Poets would still pull off the victory.      

"All around great defensive performance," Rivas said after the game.  "A great result going forward."

"Great collective effort from everyone," added junior midfielder Ryan Wood (Wilmslow, England). Senior midfielder Matthew Evans (Bury St. Edmunds, England) was just as effusive, calling this win an "all around top performance from the whole squad."

The Poets return to action this Saturday, October 4 at 11:00am when they travel to play the University of La Verne.