WHITTIER, Calif. (September 16, 2023)- Whittier took on the Occidental Tigers at home Saturday night in a late SCIAC matchup. After a hard fought battle the Poets ended up coming up just short and losing on a last minute goal 2-1. 

The first half was a slow start for both teams, as neither one was able to get into a good scoring position. The Poets were set up a few times deep in OXY field position, but none of their kicks were able to get past the Tiger's goalie. Eventually, the horn would sound and the score would be 0-0 at the half. 

As the second half began, both teams were looking to get an edge on the other and take control of the game. Then in the 63rd minute the Poets were set up by a foul on the Tigers. Rowan Slater lined up to take the corner kick and placed it perfectly for Lawrence Dydell (Redmond, WA, Woodinville HS) to smash the ball past the OXY goalie. The game continued to be a very physical one for the remainder of the game as there were a total of 8 yellow cards given out. Whittier held the lead for the majority of the rest of the game, but then in the 84th minute the Tigers were able to tie it up. With the score 1-1 and only 6 minutes left, the SCIAC opponents were each trying to secure the final goal. With 6 seconds left in the game, OXY sent the ball down the field and placed the final shot of the game just out of the reach of the Poet's goalie. 

The Tigers would make this last second goal and end up winning this game by a score of 2-1. Despite the last second shot getting past him, Breckon Robirds did well this game as he came away with 9 total saves. Whittier will look to get their first SCIAC win next Wednesday (September 20th) as they travel to La Verne to take on the Leos.