SANTA BARBARA, Calif.---The Biola men's soccer team defeated Westmont College 2-1 in what was a thrilling comeback at Thorrington Field. 

"We had the ultimate team effort win today," shared head coach Joey O'Keefe. "Our backs were against the wall and we knew how crucial it was not just to win this game, but to bounce back after three games in a row without a win."

O'Keefe continued, "Today was a big step for our group - it's also the first time we came back from a losing position to win a game. So many players were asked to do multiple jobs today and pivot to new formations, and my gosh did we rise to the challenge."

Ryan Ellsworth and Lamar McKenzie teamed up on both of Biola's goals. Ellsworth knocked in both goals and McKenzie assisted.

"These two young attackers [Ellsworth and McKenzie] have been a menace against other teams and they each deserve huge credit on the two goals we scored," stated O'Keefe.

Their first goal was netted in the 80th minute and the second was in the 84th. Ellsworth leads his team with seven goals this season and McKenzie earned his third assist of the year. 

The Warriors scored the first goal of the match in the 52nd minute, but they couldn't get past Francesco Tricarico after that. He faced 23 shots and made six saves, three in each half. 

"Keko stood on top of his head today in goal," said O'Keefe. "He came up big so many times for us and deserves man of the match."

O'Keefe concluded, "We will celebrate today, then get back to the drawing board Monday morning for whoever we play next."

Biola improves 5-5-3 overall and 2-3-1 in the PacWest Conference while Westmont slips to 5-5-2 and 1-3-1 in the PacWest.

Next up for Biola is Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cougar Soccer Complex.