The weather is hot, but the defense of the Santa Barbara Soccer Club’s boys under-14 White is hotter at the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Phoenix, Ariz.
Santa Barbara scored its second straight shutout win in group play on Tuesday, beating Colorado Rapids Academy 1-0. With the win, the team earned a berth in Friday’s quarterfinals. On Monday, Santa Barbara beat Alum Rock PAC Impact of Northern California, 1-0.
Against Colorado, Lucky Peungrod scored in the 20th minute off a Giovanny Acosta assist and the Santa Barbara defense made the goal stand up.
“The team played a solid game and created numerous chances to score,” coach Rudy Ybarra said. “We had two shots off the goal post and should have scored at least three goals.
Santa Barbara completes group play Wednesday against the CCV Stars of Arizona. The Arizona team and the Impact played to a 3-3 on Tuesday.
Santa Barbara can finish first in the group with a win or tie against Arizona. A loss would put it in second. The top two teams in the four groups advance to the knockout round.
I’m proud of this group of boys, they are playing in over 100-degree weather and playing very well on both sides of the ball,” said Ybarra.
