Santa Barbara High lost its hold of first place of the Channel League girls soccer race in the second half Thursday at Buena.
The Bulldogs exploded for five goals and routed the Dons 6-1 on their Senior Night.
Buena, seeking its 20th straight league title, leaps over the Dons with 14 points (4-1-2). Santa Barbara falls to 4-2-0 for 12 points. The Dons are 10-3-3 overall.
“We were even 1-1 after the first 40,” Santa Barbara coach Jeff Johnson said. “We scored in the 33rd after Erin Graf sent a ball into the box and Katie Joseff jumped on a rebound. We spoke about what we needed to do in the second half to get at least a point at halftime. Within eight minutes of the whistle the game was over.”
Buena scored three goals in a four-minute span early in the second half to blow the game open.
Sofia Chandler chested the ball to her feet and hit a left-footed a shot past the goalkeeper in the 42nd minute to put the Bulldogs up 2-1.
Less than a minute later, sophomore Hailie Mace rocketed a 40-yard free kick into the back of the net for a 3-1.
“We didn’t front the ball and one of their players took the kick quickly and scored from 40 yards out,” Johnson said. “There were just too many mental lapses and players didn’t stick to their responsibilities and it cost us.”
Adrina Palacios scored off an assist from Mace to make it 4-1 in the 45th minute.
Santa Barbara beat Buena 1-0 in the first round of league play.
“This league is wide open right now with any of the four teams in position to grab the title,” Johnson said. “We need to win out to claim it as well as San Marcos, DP and Buena. “Our girls were disappointed and understand that they have to learn from this loss before we move on. They will be ready to go on Tuesday.”
