The Santa Barbara boys soccer team lost its Channel League opener to Pacifica, 1-0, on Tuesday night at home.
The winning goal came after a Pacifica player tracked a long ball along the sideline, beat a Santa Barbara defender and crossed the ball to a teammate for the finish.
“I thought we were well organized defensively throughout the whole game, give credit to their forward who was able to win a ball down the line and then give an assist,” said Santa Barbara coach Ricardo Alcaraz.
Santa Barbara responded well after conceding. Ben Hashim hit a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that was stopped by the outstretched hand of the Pacifica goalkeeper. Later, Jesus Miranda hit the post. He also got taken down in the box, but didn’t get a call from the referee.
“I like how our team reacted after the goal, they were calm and kept their composure,” said Alcaraz. “We generated some great opportunities to tie the game.”
Santa Barbara (1-1-1) host Buena on Thursday.