The San Marcos boys soccer team won its third straight Channel League title with a 4-1 victory over Santa Barbara High on Thursday night at Warkentin Stadium.
The Royals improved to 12-0-0 (36 points) and 13-1-2 overall. They hold a seven-point lead over second-place Oxnard (9-1-2, 29 points) with two league games remaining.
Santa Barbara fell to 2-7-3 in league and 6-9-4 overall.
The Dons, who came into the game on a two-game winning streak, fell behind when San Marcos senior Justin Hess rose above defenders and headed a corner kick from sophomore Jose Ramirez at the back post.
Santa Barbara responded quickly, finishing a ball on goal.
San Marcos regained the lead when senior Leonel Olivo held off a defender in the box and set up junior Favi Rosales to score inside the left post.
Olivo made it 3-1, collecting a clever through ball from Javi Elias and firing the ball into the roof of the net.
Senior Luke Sheffey finished the scoring with a 30-yard free throw.
“Luke Sheffey has stepped up in big ways for these crossover rivalries and he was effective again tonight,” San Marcos coach Paul McLean said. “Additionally, our quarterback pairing of Steve Bradley and Justin Hess was outstanding. Jose Ramirez and John Najera commanded the midfield throughout the game.
McLean praised Santa Barbara’s play
“The Dons defended very well and showed commitment throughout the game. The games against SB make us better and prepare us for the big games ahead,” McLean said.
