Santana sets up Pardo twice in Dons’ win

Alex Santana and Christian Pardo had it going on for the Santa Barbara boys soccer team in its season opener on Tuesday at Oaks Christian, combining on the first two goals in a 3-1 Dons victory.

Santana assisted Pardo on the first two Santa Barbara goals before Alfredo Ibarra scored again in the 54th minute to give the Dons a 3-1 lead.

“Alex (Santana) is a senior this year and has really stepped up his game,” said Dons head coach Todd Heil, who returns eight starters from last year’s CIF semifinal team that finished 22-3-3.

Santa Barbara outshot Oaks Christian 17-3 on Tuesday.

“We’re creating chances, we just need to finish ’em a little better,” thought Heil.

Santa Barbara next heads to Atascadero this weekend to defend its title at the Cats & Hounds Tournament. The Dons start out playing both Arroyo Grande and Templeton in pool play on Friday.