BSoc: Royals suffer tough loss in finale

San Marcos’ tough soccer season came to an end with a 2-1 loss against Ventura on Tuesday.

The Royals had a goal waved off by the referee and saw Ventura hit a brilliant free kick for the game winner

Jake Castanha scored for San Marcos (0-8), heading in a free kick Nikki Hall for a 1-0 lead.

Earlier, Robbie Landeros beat the goalkeeper to a high ball and headed it in, but the referee nullified the goal and instead awarded a penalty kick to the Royals. The goalkeeper was given a yellow card. The Royals missed on the PK.

As seems to be the case lately, the referee waived off the goal and instead, awarded a penalty kick. This should have resulted in a red card to the goalie. The keeper was spared by the ref who only showed a yellow. The ensuing PK was hit wide.

Ventura tied the score just before halftime and tallied the game-winner late in the second half on a free kick from 35 yards that beat the goalkeeper in the upper right corner.

“It is one of the best free kicks I’ve seen in high school ball,” said San Marcos coach Rob Lauderdale.