San Marcos did what it had to do Tuesday night to keep its Channel League title hopes alive.
The Royals got goals from three different players in a 3-0 win over Buena that leaves them on top of the league standings. San Marcos has 17 points with a 5-1-2.
Santa Barbara is in second with 16 points (5-1-1) and Ventura is third with 15 (4-0-3). Those teams play each other Thursday at Santa Barbara. A tie would give San Marcos a share of the title.
San Marcos scored in the fifth minute off a free kick by Robbie Landeros. He played the ball in to Ian Dahill, who scored on a header.
The Royals added two goals in the second half. Julio Garcia played the ball into the box, where Ian Hall beat a defender and tucked a shot into the net for a 2-0 lead.
The third goal also was assisted by Garcia. He fed Tanner Charest who beat a couple of defenders and shot the ball under the goalkeeper’s reach.
San Marcos finished the season strong under first-year coach Matt Winecki. The Royals closed out league with wins over Santa Barbara and Buena following a tie with still undefeated Ventura.
“We are happy for all of these young men on the team,” said assistant coach Jesus Landerso. “They deserve to be proud of themselves after continually improving from the beginning of the season.”
