The San Marcos boys soccer team clinched its third straight Channel League title with a 4-1 rivalry win 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-match winning streak, they fell behind when San Marcos senior Justin Hess rose above defenders and headed in a corner kick from sophomore Jose Ramirez to the back post.
Santa Barbara answered quickly, with Efra Herrera collecting a through ball and tying the score.
San Marcos regained the lead as senior Leonel Olivo, held off a defender in the box and set up junior Favi Rosales for the finish inside the left post.
Olivo made it 3-1, collecting a clever ball across the goal mouth from junior Javi Elias and blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Senior Luke Sheffey completed the scoring on 30-yard free kick.
“Luke Sheffey has stepped up in big ways for these crosstown rivalries and he was effective again tonight,” said San Marcos coach Paul McLean. “In addition, our center back pairing of Steve Bradley and Justin Hess were outstanding. Jose Ramirez and John Najera commanded the midfield all game.”
McLean praised the play of Santa Barbara.
“The Dons defended really well and showed commitment throughout the game. Games against SB make us better and prepare us for future big matches,” said McLean.