The Carpinteria Warriors came out with full force in their final game of the regular season even though they’d already secured first place in the Tri-Valley League.
After losing to Santa Paula in their first meeting, the Warriors sought retribution and scored two first-half goals to overcome the Cardinals 2-0 at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium.
“The guys came out firing tonight,” said head coach Daniel Torres. “We knew that this game was important, even though we had won league on Monday, in order to get on a roll going into playoffs.”
The Warriors – winners of sixth straight – were able to put the game out of reach in the first half.
In the 13th minute, the Warriors switched the ball from the right side of the field to the left. Ismael Soriano played a ball to Edwin Elizarraras from the top of the box and Elizarraras chipped it over the oncoming Santa Paula keeper into the net.
Before halftime Eduardo Mejia found himself with space 25 yards away from goal and was able to drive the ball into the net.
The two first-half goals proved to be too much for the Cardinals as the majority of the second was played in their defensive third of the field.
“Carpinteria is a good team. Hats off to them for winning league, they deserve it more than any team,” said Santa Paula head coach Brian Blevins.
The Warriors now look forward to the CIF playoffs.
“I am very confident going into playoffs. The boys are doing the right things on and off the field, and I know they are going to do a good job,” said Torres.
One of the reasons the Warriors have been flourishing this season is the support from their fans. The players expressed their appreciation for their dedicated audience after the game by presenting a sign that read, “Thanks for the Support Fans!”
The Warriors end the regular season with a record of 16-3-3 and a Tri-Valley League mark of 10-2.
