Santa Clarita CIF SS Playoff Soccer

Division 1

El Dorado: 0

Hart: 1

It was a brisk day in Newhall, as evidenced by every hard tackle put in could be felt from the crowds of the teams.

Hart withstood the first half push by El Dorado, staying compact defensively and not allowing many crosses or danger in the penalty box. The score was 0-0 at halftime.

While the Golden Hawks maintained a slight edge in possession in the first half, the Indians controlled the tempo for the majority of the second half by effectively shutting down the El Dorado midfield.

Midway through the second half is where the Indians began to look dangerous in front of goal. One shot sailed just wide of the goal, another hit the crossbar a few minutes later on some clever combination play down the right wing. Then, just like that, Alyssa Irwin got in the end of a cross for thundering header that went off the goalkeeper and in the net in the 69th minute.

Hart withstood more late pressure as El Dorado was forced to push more players forward for the game-tying goal, but once more the Indians remained composed, a testament to head coach Guilherme Mitrovitch and the experience of the team’s sixth straight trip to the second round of the playoffs.

A monumental challenge lies ahead for the Indians (20-2-1), who will hit the road tomorrow to face No. 2 Los Alamitos (22-0-5). Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00.

Division 2

Saugus: 0

Sunny Hills: 2

Sunny Hills scored early in the 11th minute and then doubled their lead after the break to send the Centurions home.

It was Saugus’ first playoff appearance in six seasons, and this year ends for the team with a 14-5-6 record and third place finish in the Foothill League.

–

Valencia: 1

9 Bishop Amat: 4

Valencia’s season ends with a 9-9-4 record after falling to a top ten team on the road, always a tall order in the CIF Southern Section.

Division 3

West Ranch: 1

Downey: 2

The Wildcats found an equalizer off a corner kick early in the second half, but Downey scored the game-winner with around ten minutes to play in the game.

West Ranch finishes the season 10-4-3 with a second place finish in the Foothill League and an impressive +27 goal differential.

KHTS Sports is your place for the 2018 Santa Clarita winter sports season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC. If you have any news and notes about our teams and players to share please send them to [email protected], like us on facebook.com/khtssports and follow us @KHTSSports on Twitter.