SOCCER HIGHLIGHTS : Westlake Machine Runs Out of Fuel, 2-0

Westlake High went into its quarterfinal soccer match against West Torrance as one of the highest-scoring teams in the Southern Section’s 4-A Division. The Warriors, who had scored eight goals in three playoff matches, run a fast-break offense that is the high school soccer equivalent of the Nevada Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels basketball team.

When Westlake shifts into overdrive it frequently results in a goal.

But not Tuesday. West Torrance goalkeeper Geoff Lloyd played brilliantly as West Torrance defeated Westlake, 2-0, before a partisan crowd at Westlake.

Lloyd was the difference as Westlake (22-2-2), the top-seeded team, was shut out for the first time this season. The 6-3 senior recorded his 15th shutout and fourth straight during the playoffs as West Torrance (22-5-0), the Bay League champion, advanced to Friday night’s championship match at Gahr High against Mater Dei.