Jackie Lopez scored for Santa Barbara High on Tuesday.
In the Channel League opener for both teams, Santa Barbara High topped Dos Pueblos on Tuesday as Jackie Lopez converted the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 shutout for the Dons.
Lopez scored in the 33rd minute to help the Dons accomplish something they didn’t do while winning the league title last season – beat Dos Pueblos.
The result snapped Dos Pueblos’ six-game winning streak against Santa Barbara in league play.
“I’m a senior and we’ve never been able to beat DP, and this year is finally the year that we got the win,” Lopez said.
Dos Pueblos’ Emma Trumbull, left, and Santa Barbara High’s Danielle Smith battle for possession on Tuesday.
“It was really important for us.”
Lopez was assisted on her goal by Bailey Wolf.
The Chargers have been slowed by injuries and were missing four starters. Short-handed and on the road, it was an uphill battle for the Chargers, who lost for just the second time this season.
“I think they had the edge and wanted it a little bit more,” said Dos Pueblos head coach Hugh Hollis. “We’re coming off of lots and lots of injuries so I think that affected our rhythm a little bit.”
Hollis didn’t want to take anything away from the Dons.
“They deserved to win, they obviously had a game plan and they stuck to it.”
Santa Barbara head coach Jeff Johnson had his team focused on getting off to a good start in league play, especially at home.
“They beat us twice last year and they man-handled us, so for us this is good,” Johnson said. “And we know that DP, they’re a team you have to at least split. You have to get a point at home and three even better.”
The Dons’ defensive line of Julie Pitney, Erin Graf, Stephanie Rodriguez and Abby Guillen limited Dos Pueblos to just one shot on goal.
Dos Pueblos’ defense made some nice plays of its own, including a goal-saving clear from captain Emma Trumbull in the second half.
Santa Barbara (6-3-4) plays again on Thursday against Ventura.
