The Western men’s soccer team won their second Great Northwest Athletic Conference title in school history.

Thursday with a 6-0 win against Saint Martin’s University at Whatcom Community College’s Orca Field.
Western senior forward Samir Vejo led the Vikings’ attack with three goals as four different players scored in the second half.

“Winning the conference is a massive accomplishment,” Western head coach Travis Connell said. “I am extremely proud and I know the guys are too.”

Western, which was 5-0-1 in its last six games, improved its overall record to 10-5-3 and 6-0-1 within the conference.

Vejo brought his team-leading goal total to 17 by scoring once in the first half and twice in the second.

“Scoring felt good but it was a team effort,” Vejo said. “I was in the right place at the right time and was able finish.”

The Vikings entered the game knowing they had a chance to win the conference title with a win against Saint Martin’s and a Seattle Pacific University loss.  

Shortly after winning Thursday night, the Vikings learned that Seattle Pacific had fallen 4-2 to Montana State University Billings.

“It’s a huge achievement,” Vejo said. “With where this team was only a few years ago, it’s a huge step to claim the [conference] title.”

Feeling as though his team came out flat and was outplayed in the first half, Connell said he gave a passionate speech during halftime, discussing the importance of the game.

“The coaches got on us at halftime,” Vejo said. “They talked about the importance of this game and how we needed to step up in the second half.”

Western was outshot 9-4 in the first half but rebounded, outshooting Saint Martin’s 16-4 in the second half.

Western’s second half effort consisted of one of the best played halves of the season, Connell said.

“Samir got the hat trick and when he gets going, we are a very dangerous team,” Connell said.

Western freshman midfielder Oscar Jimenez gave the Vikings a two-goal advantage with his goal in the 63rd minute on a cross from the left side from Vejo.

The Vikings, who at one point were 5-5-2 overall, turned their season around and have extended their unbeaten streak to six games.

“[Winning the conference] feels amazing,” Bardsley said. “We put in a lot of hard work and we definitely deserve it.”

Western’s next game is against conference rival Seattle Pacific at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Whatcom Community College’s Orca Field.

Share this article:
                                   

Be first to comment on this article

Only registered users can post comments.
Please login or register.