Dos Pueblos' Scott Terry waits to kick off as the Royals chase goal scorer Ian Hall (15) back to their side of the field following Hall's game-winning goal in the second half. (Presidio Sports Photos)
The San Marcos High boys soccer team chased Dos Pueblos as the Chargers held on to the ball for most of the game, but the Royals’ Ian Hall scored the game’s only goal to give his team a 1-0 victory on the road.
“I think possession for them was probably 90-10,” San Marcos head coach Matt Winecki. “Here’s the moral of the story: it’s better to be lucky than good.”
Dos Pueblos' Forbes Bainou stretches out keep the ball away from San Marcos' Tanner Charest
The Royals defense was able to frustrate the Dos Pueblos attackers and recorded its second consecutive shutout.
Dos Pueblos controlled the ball and connected passes in the midfield, but could not find a quality shot.
“For whatever reason, our guys were hesitant to use off-foot. They were really just waiting for it to hit the sweet spot and sometimes in soccer you just have to hit it where it lies,” Chargers head coach Matt York said. “A dirty goal is better than no goal.”
Scoring chances were few and far between for San Marcos, who were playing without Sam Strong. Strong missed the game to play with the Olympic Development Program Region IV team.
Ian Hall made the most of his opportunity and in the 58th minute, Hall collected a bouncing ball in a threatening position and blasted shot into the back of the net for the deciding goal.
The slim advantage was enough for San Marcos, as the defense held off the onslaught from the Chargers.
“Defending for us is our bread and butter,” Winecki said. “That’s what we preach and that’s who we are.”
San Marcos (3-1-1 Channel League) defeated Dos Pueblos by a one-goal margin earlier in the season, beating the Chargers 2-1 at home. The Royals continue their season tomorrow at home against Santa Ynez.
Dos Pueblos (0-4-1 Channel League) plays next on Thursday at home against Ventura.
Dos Pueblos' Oscar Escamilla is the center of attention as he moves the ball upfield for the Chargers.
Tanner Charest is squeezed on both sides by Dos Pueblos defenders Kelvin Mendoza, left, and Armando Orozco, right.
Chargers goalkeeper Nick Van Hoorn snags a centering ball from danger in the second half.
