Santa Barbara’s soccer team did some growing over the weekend and it showed in Tuesday’s Channel League opener at Buena on Tuesday.
The Dons, who played Mountain View and San Clemente to draws in the College Cup High School Showcase on Saturday, turned in a strong performance in beating Buena 5-0.
“We grew up a lot on Saturday and today was an extension of that,” Santa Barbara coach Todd Heil said. “We’re playing better cohesively as a team.”
Alfredo Ibarra opened the scoring in the scoring in the ninth minute off the first of Matt Medina’s two assists.
Ibarra scored again eight minutes later, and the Dons took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Tony Alfaro made it 3-0 in the 68th minute. He jumped on a loose ball after corner kick from Alberto Hernandez and tucked it away.
Edgar Ruiz scored a spectacular goal in the 71st minute. He dribbled half the length of the field, beat the last defender and put the ball away.
T.J. Fairchild hit a one-time shot off a cross from Medina to complete the scoring.
It was the third shutout for the Dons, who improved to 2-3-2 and 1-0 in league.
