Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Whittier College Men's Soccer team played the Stags of Claremont-M-S tight Saturday afternoon but couldn't pull off the road win as a late header from Michael Wagenveld would be good enough to give CMS the 1-0 victory.
With the loss the Poets drop to 3-2-1, 2-1-1 SCIAC, while CMS improves to 2-3-1, 2-2 SCIAC.
Despite being outshot 10-4 in the first half, Whittier was able to keep the game deadlocked at 0-0 at intermission.
Whittier had a couple opportunities late to go in front, with Pablo Gomez (Cardiff by the Sea) taking a shot at the 39:59 mark, which was saved by Stag goalie Daniel Cui. Gomez then had another look two minutes later from on top of the box but his shot would be blocked.
The second half was played a majority on Whittier's part of the field, with CMS pushing the tempo. WC was able to weather the storm multiple times but Wagenveld managed to get the lone strike in the 65th minute coming on a header following a cross from Alex Censullo who drove down the right side of the field before serving it into the box from almost the end line.
CMS looked to add to their lead in the 73rd minute from Ryan Karle who had a good look but his shot would fire off the side post keeping the game at 1-0.
The Purple & Gold put on the pressure late in the second half as they looked for the equalizer. They had two looks in the final five minutes but neither would connect as Yvan Monreal's (Placentia, Calif.) and Gomez's shots would both go high allowing CMS to escape with the victory.
Whittier was outshot in the game 23-11 and CMS held the advantage on corner kicks 7-2.
Jorge Rivas (Lake Forest, Calif.) played all 90:00 collecting three saves. Gomez led the Poets on offense with three shots with one being on goal, while Connor Tait-Mole (Livermore, Calif.) took two.
Whittier returns to action this Wednesday, September 23 as they return home to take on Chapman University beginning at 7:00pm.
