The goals kept coming for the red-hot San Marcos boys soccer team in Tuesday’s crosstown Channel League game against Dos Pueblos.
Four different players found the back of the net for the Royals in a 4-0 victory at Warkentin Field. All four goals came in the first half.
San Marcos has outscored the opposition 15-2 in its first three league encounters.
Junior Javi Elias got things started on Tuesday, finishing a cross from senior Leonel Olivo.
The Royals then capitalized on a turnover created by pressure from Kevin Sanchez and Luke Sheffey. Jose Ramirez notched the goal on a shot 20 yards.
San Marcos’ relentless attack led to a couple of fouls in the box, and Olivo and Sheffey converted the resulting penalty kicks to finish the half.
“Our team played a strong first half,” said San Marcos coach Paul McLean. “Our backline was solid and distributed the ball well and our attacking group did a great job creating chances through pressure. DP had a great response in the second half with a formation change and put us under some pressure.”
McLean said senior Justin Hess “was outstanding winning the balls and starting our offense.”
He also praised Olivo for creating many good scoring chances, and Kevin Mora and Jose Ramirez for their strong play run the middle of the field.
Dos Pueblos coach Matt York was glad to see his team play better in the second half.
“It was nice to see our mixture of boys fight to keep the score line after the intermission,” he said, “but conceding two penalties and two other goals in one half was a tough pill to swallow.
“I thought tonight we came out sluggish and skittish with our passing and decision making. Our indecisiveness was quickly pounced on by a strong and confident San Marcos squad.”
There were some bright spots for the Chargers (1-3, 1-2 in league).
“I’m proud that our captain Gio Jimenez gutted out some minutes in the second half after injuring his shoulder late in half number one,” said York. “We were also pleased with our youth movement up top in freshman Kaj Laub and sophomore (JV call-up) Miguel Greenberg who provided energy and effort from our forward position. Senior defender Ryan Orozco was fighting through the same bug which had a few players sidelined for tonight but his gritty performance was something we can build on in the future.”
Dos Pueblos plays at Oxnard on Thursday and hosts Pacifica on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock.
San Marcos’ next game is at Buena on Thursday.