Santa Barbara High’s boys soccer team scored two second-half goals Saturday to come from behind and beat a tough St. Francis team 3-2.
The Dons were first on the board in the 5th minute when Luca Peluffo headed the ball past the St. Francis goalie on an assist by Brian Deloya.
St Francis quickly responded with goals in the 6th and 19th minute to take a 2-1 halftime lead.
“St. Francis is a tough team, well organized, and challenged us physically throughout the whole game,” Santa Barbara coach Ricardo Alcaraz said.
The Dons tied the game in the 56th minute when Jesus Miranda got on the end of a through ball by Juan Torres.
“I though Jesus was good tonight,” Alcaraz said. “He made it really difficult for their center backs by making runs behind them. And he got rewarded with a nice goal.”
Ben Hashim got the game winner off a rebound in the 64th minute. The St. Francis goalie couldn’t hold on to the ball after a Peluffo free kick.
Tight defense the rest of the way and held off St. Francis persistent attack.
“I’m proud of the five defenders who played tonight, especially the last 15 minutes,” Alcaraz said.