San Marcos gave up its first goal in five matches and it turned out to be enough to sink the Royals, 1-0, against visiting Hueneme on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Kyle Carter played a solid match for the Royals and the defense repelled several Hueneme attacks. But the Vikings’ top player got loose and scored to the far post past a diving Carter for the game’s only goal.
Defenders Sean Estabrooks, Romario Martinez and Jake Castanha cleared several Hueneme threats and the midfield, led by Kelvin Uribe, twins Luis and Miguel Torres, Grant Kane and Luis Torres played well, said San Marcos coach Rob Lauderdale.
Despite the loss, which dropped San Marcos to 4-3-1, Lauderdale likes the progress the team has made.
“Although early in the preseason, the Royals are reemerging as a tough team in the Channel League and have already bested their record for the entire last season,” he said. “This year’s varsity is a different and stronger team.”
