Once the San Marcos boys soccer tean got settled in, it got the job done and won Tuesday’s season opener in a shutout, 3-0 over Ventura.
“First of all, it was so awesome to have the opportunity to play a soccer game,” said Royals coach Paul McLean. “We weren’t sure it was going to happen, but huge credit to all staff and administration for making it happen for all these boys.”
The Royals had to weather early pressure from Ventura. The Cougars rattled a shot off the post.
San Marcos sophomore defender Justin Hess got the offense going with a run down the line. He fired a cross to sophomore forward Kevin Mora who touched the ball beyond the goalkeeper but got tangled up as he rounded the keeper and was awarded a penalty kick. Junior Juan Escobar converted the PK for a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
The Royals scored twice in the second half. Sophomore Leo Olivo beat a defender to the end line, cut inside another player and fed an on-rushing Sergio Diaz for the finish to make it 2-0.
Pressure from Mora on Ventura’s outside back set up the third goal. He forced a pass that was intercepted by Yahir Vasquez, who slotted the ball underneath the on-rushing goalkeeper.
“It was encouraging to see our defense keep the shutout,” said McLean. “Juan Escobar was excellent with several key stops and he stepped up to score our first goal.
“Ventura is a solid team and they put us under some early pressure. They were well organized and it took a while for us to calm down and keep possession. Once we did that, we found some great opportunities through Sergio and Yayo (Yahir).”
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.