Santa Barbara’s Megan Flynn gets around San Marcos defender Tasha Wood near the endline just before scoring the game’s only goal. (Presidio Sports Photos)
Megan Flynn officially became San Marcos’ worst nightmare on Tuesday thanks to her game-winning goal in the 77th minute that lifted Santa Barbara High’s girls soccer team to a crucial 1-0 Channel League win over San Marcos on Tuesday.
It was the second game-winner of the season for Flynn against the rival Royals as the senior recorded two goals and an assist in the two schools’ previous meeting.
“We really wanted this,” Flynn said. “We came back from a tough loss on Thursday. We wanted to prove ourselves to our coach, to our fans and to ourselves.”
The Dons, who were coming off a 6-1 loss to Buena, took a slight lead over Buena in the league standings. Santa Barbara has 15 points after seven games while the Bulldogs have 14. San Marcos and Dos Pueblos both have 11.
On Thursday, Santa Barbara meets Dos Pueblos and Buena travels to San Marcos to decide the Channel League’s league title and playoff picture.
Flynn took a throw-in from Annie deBruynkops deep in the Royals’ defensive third and beat a defender near the endline. Flynn took a shot from a hard angle and the attempt deflected off of a Royals player and into the goal.
“It’s one of those games that just wasn’t ours. I really don’t think anyone feels awesome about it,” said Royals head coach Macie Berlin.
The Royals were missing several starters due to illness, forcing regular goalie Hannah Harrah into the midfield. Hannah Ball defended San Marcos’ goal well while playing her first full game of the season.
“She saved every ball she should have,” Berlin said.
Santa Barbara’s keeper Ali Tro and the defense recorded their third shutout in Channel League play.
Santa Barbara’s Megan Flynn, center, celebrates the game-winning goal with teammates Natalie Cvetanic, left, and Hannah Brisby, right.
