SOLEDAD — A second-half goal by Lucas Shotts gave the Crystal Springs Uplands boys soccer team a 1-0 win over the Soledad Aztecs in Saturday’s Central Coast Section (CCS) Division V Championship.
Soledad head coach Genaro Espinoza was proud of his team’s efforts in the finals against Crystal Springs at Everett Alvarez High School, and at last Wednesday’s semifinals game in Soledad.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling because today we feel like soccer wasn’t fair in giving us the win,” Espinoza said. “Having a game plan and performing accordingly wasn’t enough, maybe someone has different plans for these boys.”
Soledad had ball possession and control most of the game, keeping their composure and pushing when they fell behind. Unfortunately, the Aztecs ran out of time at the end.
At last Wednesday’s CCS semifinal at Gene Martin Stadium in Soledad, the Aztecs took a 3-1 lead in the first half against the undefeated (18-0-2) El Camino Mustangs.
“We showed great determination playing at home,” Espinoza said. “El Camino pressed on the gas pedal and managed to make it close by the end of the second half, and we finished with a close win, and handed them their first loss of the season.”
Jesus Ortiz scored two goals for the Aztecs and Jason Rico added a solo goal. Assists were earned by Ortiz and Daniel Magana.
This season Soledad captured their first league title since the 2013-14 season, and placed second in CCS while finishing with a 10-2 Cypress record.
“I’m proud of this team and proud to call them my boys,” Espinoza said. “I’d like to give a big shout-out to our parents and fans that had our backs. Especially during this CCS run.”
Team members on the Aztec team were: Bryan Alvarado, Brian Barrera-Pizano, Carlos Bautista, Jonathan Gallegos, Diego Gonzales, Joshua Guzman, Alexander Hernandez, Ivan Luz, Daniel Magana, Marcos Negrete, Luis Negrete, Jesus Ortiz, Franki Perez, Alexander Pizano, Jason Rico, Alexander Rodriguez, Christian Romero, Joseph Garcia, Adrian Sanchez, Damian Valdez, Julian Valdez and Abraham Zavala.
Assisting coach Espinoza this season were Michael Sanchez and Armando Avalos.
