Santa Barbara High was active in front of San Marcos’ goal for much of the night on Thursday.
Five different players scored for Santa Barbara High on Thursday as the Dons recorded a 5-0 rout of San Marcos in a Channel League game.
It was the 13th shutout of the season as the Dons defense didn’t allow a single shot on goal for San Marcos.
“If we keep scoring goals its fine but defense first for us,” said Dons freshman Pepe Barron. ”
Peter Gamboa started the scoring for Santa Barbara in the 19th minute, knocking home a header off a corner kick from Alec Larson. The Dons led 2-0 at halftime.
After not scoring in Santa Barbara’s first 17 games, Gamboa has two goals in the past three games. Both came on headers for the defender.
“He’s getting up a lot better,” said Dons head coach Todd Heil.
The continued to attack after the first goal.
“It was one of those things you have to be patient and wait for that first one to come,” said Dons head coach Todd Heil. “And once that first one came, it kind of forces the other team has to come out of its shell.”
The Royals defense was under consistent pressure and repelled a majority of the Dons’ advances.
“We’re an inexperienced team. So for us it’s a hard lesson learned but it’s one that we accept. It’s one we have to mature from,” said Royals head coach Matt Winnecki.
Barron and Larson each recorded a goal and an assist.
Barron’s goal was the Dons’ second. It started with Matt Medina in the midfield leading Jelan Hutton into the corner with a pass. Hutton fired a low cross with his left foot that connected with a leaping Barron who volleyed it in.
Larson scored his in the second half, finishing a nice play by Brandon Sanchez, to make it 3-0. Barron then assisted on a goal from Leo Adame.
Holden Winship finished the scoring by heading in a long throw-in from Jumoke Hutton.
The Dons, 16-3-1, 3-0, play Dos Pueblos next.
“We needed that going into DP because DP is a tough team to beat,” Barron said.
The Royals, 0-2-1 in Channel League, face Buena next.
Both games are next Tuesday.
