NAPLES, FL -- After a season full of ups and downs, the Warriors wanted to close with a winning record, but would need to make it past Ave Maria, who they already defeated earlier in the season, 3-1. Coach Cockburn decided to switch certain players around, testing them in un-familiar positions.

 

The Warriors started out strong, winning a throw within two minutes of the game. Peacock threw the ball to Lamas, who laid it back off. Peacock then crossed the ball in, allowing Martes to take a perfect first touch into the path of Percival, who attempted to skim the Ave Maria defense but got blocked in the process.

 

Ave Maria stayed strong, catching Webber's defense off guard with a through ball around the five minute mark. Miguel Vera shot at goal, but Zwaans cleverly distributed his weight to prevent Ave Maria from taking the lead.

 

Webber were back on the attack. Lamas found himself with the ball on the right wing, before whipping it towards Martes. Despite finding the ball with his head, Martes' header was too powerful, causing it to sail over the crossbar.

 

Zwaans continued to make some incredible saves, keeping his team in the game. He denied Christian Paz twice in the same minute, who was looking a particular threat in attack for Ave Maria.

 

The Warriors continued to press and it wasn't long until they broke the deadlock. Otero found Percival on the left wing, who sent a perfect cross over to Martes, who once again headed the ball towards goal. The ball rebounded off the crossbar allowing Otero to place it in the open net.

 

Goal! (WIU) - 28th minute - Miguel Otero (WIU 1 – 0 AMU)

 

A second goal was almost scored minutes before halftime, from Hall's long throw. As the ball floated in Kristensen did well to head it, but as it was dipping into the goal, Matthew Mually made a fantastic save, pushing the ball over the crossbar.

 

Halftime - WIU 1 - 0 AMU

 

Working from a great counter attack, the Warriors created their second goal of the game in the 59th minute. Zwaans threw the ball to Kristensen, who used his rapid pace to run the three quarters of the field. Kristensen laid the ball off to Hall, who then played it to Capuz. Despite the acute angle, Capuz drove the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.

 

Goal! (WIU) - 59th minute - Alberto Alonso Capuz (WIU 2 - 0 AMU)

 

The Spanish trio were in the action once again. Otero picked up the ball after Zwaans punched it clear of goal. Otero played it to Capuz, who found Esteban unmarked. Esteban struck the ball at goal only for it to bounce back off the post.

 

The rest of the second half was back and forth action, but didn't include any real chances for either team, which led the game to conclude at 2-0.

 

Fulltime - WIU 2 - 0 AMU

 

Coach Cockburn said, “We were strong throughout, and I was very impressed with how certain players adapted to unfamiliar roles. We have had our ups and downs this season, with many decisions for and against us. It was great to finish with a winning season, but a shame we didn't make it to the regionals. Me and Coach Broom are recruiting harder than ever for next year, in order to make this team even stronger. I would like to thank everyone for their support and hard work, especially the seniors; Adam Bates, Andre Zwaans, Daniel Harding, and Michael Wagner. I wish them the very best of luck for the future, and am grateful for their dedication over the years.”