SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ SOCCER PLAYOFFS : 3-A : Mejia’s Grand Entrance Helps El Toro Advance
REDLANDS — Al Mejia of El Toro High School made his coach look good in the second half of Tuesday’s Southern Section 3-A semifinal boys’ soccer match against Redlands.
Only two minutes after entering the game, Mejia scored to give El Toro a 1-0 victory over Redlands.
The Chargers (14-3-2) will make their first appearance in a Southern Section boys’ soccer final. They will meet San Gabriel Valley League champion Cerritos Saturday at 8 p.m. at Gahr High School.
“We play in a tough league with Mission Viejo and Dana Hills,†Coach Carlos Arce said, “but Redlands was a very tough team too. They were very physical and forced us to play with discipline. We’ve faced physical teams before, but no one with as much skill.â€
Seventeen minutes into the second half Barry crossed a pass from the right corner and Mejia drilled it past Redlands goalkeeper Jim Moran to give El Toro the only goal it would need. Redlands finished the season 21-5-2.
El Toro goalkeeper Kevin Rowe, a two-time All-South Coast League selection, recorded eight saves for his second shutout of the playoffs.
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