Celso Lagunas scored in the 79th minute to give Alta California Sol a 1-1 draw with USA Soccer Stars of Glendale in match-up of the top two teams in the United Premier Soccer League’s North Division of the Western Conference on Saturday night at Warkentin Stadium.
The result keeps the Santa Barbara-based semi-pro men’s soccer team in first place. A win next Saturday against Rose City FC in the regular-season finale in Arcadia would clinch the title and automatic promotion to the Pro Premier level of the UPSL.
Alta California Sol fell behind in the 66th minute on a breakaway goal.
The local team kept its composure, and Lagunas delivered for the equalizer. The former Santa Barbara High and SBCC standout beat a defender inside the 18-yard box and hit a low shot that beat the goalkeeper at the far post. Alfonso Lopez assisted.
“Overall, it was an intense and well-played game by both teams,” said Daniel Torres, director of soccer operations for Alta California Sol. “Our team did an amazing job of rising to the occasion and staying focused and positive.”