Santa Barbara High’s boys soccer team fell to a strong El Rancho team, 2-1, in the semifinals at the South Torrance Holiday Tournament on Saturday.
The Dons tied the score at 1-1 on a goal by Leo Adame in the first half. But El Rancho star Cristian Roldan tallied the game winner moments later.
“It was a great individual effort, Santa Barbara coach Todd Heil said of El Rancho’s winning goal. “Their No. 10 beat three guys and slotted a very nice goal. He’s one of the best high school players I’ve seen.”
The loss was only the second of the season for Santa Barbara (11-2). El Rancho, which went 26-1 last season (losing only in the CIF final), is 9-0.
Goalkeeper Elvis Mancilla and defender Jelan Hutton of the Dons were named to the all-tournament team.
Santa Barbara returns to action on Thursday at the Buena Tournament.
