Although they are often thought as to be the better sports school in the district, La Costa Canyon was defeated 3-0 by San Dieguito Academy boys soccer team Saturday.

With a huge crowd cheering on the home team, SDA, both teams took the field ready to play.

The first half started out with a quick foul by one of the Maverick players resulting in a free kick. The free kick was taken by senior Phillip Belman from a couple yards outside the box; he scored in the bottom left corner of the goal. Leading 1-0, SDA kept control of the field with the majority of the possession.

After a save by the San Dieguito Academy keeper Amin Kaharlani, the Mustangs scored another when he rolled the ball to center midfielder, Gerardo Olvera, who then followed with a pass to forward Owen Ereso. Ereso took the ball up, dribbled around a couple players and shot and scored. SDA lead 2-0 and was looking as if they had the win in their hands.

However, as the clock began to wind down the Mavericks were on the attack. A foul in the box by SDA gave the Mavericks an easy opportunity to score. A penalty kick with the keeper left great odds for the kicker. As his opponent wound up for the shot, senior keeper Kaharlani dove and saved the shot.

“It’s always a good feeling when you guess the right way on a PK. PK’s are always a goalie’s nightmare because the odds are in favor of the kicker. Goalies just have to pick a side and dive,” said Kaharlani.

After the save, a new sense of energy was given to SDA. “If that PK went in, the game would have suddenly changed. LCC would have been on the front foot with the momentum and they could have easily put a couple more goals in. But saving that PK definitely put their spirits down,” said Kaharlani. Shortly, the whistle blew to end the half.

As the second half started off, LCC was on the attack. The majority of the half was spent with the Mustangs playing defense. A lot of great saves by Kaharlani, kept the Mavericks at 0 on the score board. With five minutes left, senior Marco Rivero had the ball at his feet. He dribbled up and challenged by the keeper , he chipped him and scored. “Although we could have played with more composure, we were stoked to get the W and have all those fans come out and support us,” said Rivero. With a 3-0 lead and the time winding down, San Dieguito Academy had secured the win against La Costa Canyon.