San Marcos boys soccer battled to a 1-1 draw against Santa Maria, last year’s CIF-CS Division 2 champion, in Tuesday’s season opener.
“Santa Maria is a strong and organized team and we were really happy with how our team played out of their press and created chances,” San Marcos coach Paul McLean said. “They were a great opening opponent to test our organization.”
The Royals got on the board first when senior Javi Elias broke free to the top of the box and slotted a goal into the bottom right corner of the goal for the 1-0 lead.
Later in the half, the Saints secured the equalizer off a deflected ball.
San Marcos had several other chances to score in the final minutes of the match but could not convert them and it ended in a draw.
The Royals got strong performances from freshman center back Wesley Monroy and sophomore midfielder Robert Rosales.
“Wesley was outstanding at center back, making several key plays and organizing our back line,” McLean said. “Robert was excellent in our midfield making strong challenges and winning possession.”
San Marcos (0-0-1) will host San Luis Obispo High for their home opener on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
