Rickey Lopez scored on a penalty kick as time expired to lift San Marcos to a 2-1 Channel League boys soccer win over Buena at Valley Stadium on Thursday.
The penalty kick was awarded after Buena was called for a handball violation during a scramble in front of the Bulldogs’ goal.
Lopez calmly put the ball into the left corner of the net for the win.
The Royals got on the scoreboard early in the first half. Dillon Kraus broke clear on a breakaway up the middle of the field, beat the goalkeeper on a nifty move and then tapped the ball into the goal.
Buena tied it up late in the first half.
San Marcos pressured the Buena goal repeatedly in the second half but had several seemingly sure goals graze off the posts.
The win was a big confidence booster for the Royals, who were beaten 5-0 by Santa Barbara in their previous game.
