THE HIGH SCHOOL boys soccer season has come to an end, and the Santa Margarita boys soccer team was the last one left standing.

The top-seeded Eagles defeated Cathedral Catholic of San Diego, 1-0, to claim the inaugural CIF Division II Southern California championship on Saturday afternoon at Warren High in Downey.

I thought the match was actually a good one, but both coaches said it wasn’t pretty soccer and I can see why they would say that, too.

“It wasn’t pretty soccer but it was effective,” Santa Margarita coach Curt Bauer said. “They had a long throw, we had a long throw, they had some big guys up front and we had big guys up front.

“So there were good one-on-one battles throughout the match, but as far as pretty, slow-passing and that type of soccer you didn’t see a whole lot of that.”

 Alex Rodriguez scored in the 31st minute on a flicker that went through the legs of Cathedral keeper Matt McDonald.

But it was Cal-bound senior forward Mike Muñoz, whose alertness and ability to develop a play where seemingly there is none, who afforded the goal.

Muñoz took an outlet pass on the left wing and, after sealing his defender, dribbled past another defender to find an open Rodriguez near the 6-yard box.

“And that’s Muñoz,” Bauer said. “That’s what makes him special. You can mark him out of the game for a while but it’s going to be that one chance where he’s going to finish it himself or get it to one of his teammates; it doesn’t matter who scores and he doesn’t matter who scores; he’s one of the most humble kids you’ll ever meet.”

Muñoz acknowledge he initially was going to take a shot but after Rodriguez called for the ball that’s when his hesitation led to what seemed to be an ill-pass to a charging Rodriguez.

“He creates a crowd,” Bauer said. “He came inside with the ball and the defender followed him and the sweeper had to follow him, and Alex made an overlap turn around him and Mike just diced a brilliant pass in there.”

Billy Thompson at goal made spectacular saves, notably in the second half on point-blank shots to preserve the Eagles victory.

“They shutout a game like a soccer game is supposed to be shutout,” Cathedral coach Bryan Wood said.

Santa Margarita’s defense afforded not just a third straight CIF-Southern Section Division I title, but also broke a record that made Bauer beam.

The Eagles allowed only 12 goals this season and broke the record of 13 set in 1993, a team that boasts several players currently playing in MLS. And Santa Margarita also recorded its 19th shutout of the season, one shy of the record of 20 set in 1995.

It shows how much heart and character they have,” Bauer said, “because that team (in 1993) had some of the top players in the state if not in the country.

“The guys that don’t get credited are Garrett (Martinez) and Trey Whitaker that are a huge part of (the record). And to get 19 shutouts in the season and only give up 12 goals in 31 games I would have never expected.”

Seconds before the Santa Margarita boys soccer team got into formation, senior defender Roger Downes gave each of his starters a hug.

“I wanted them to know I was going to put my body out there for them and give them everything,” Downes explained.

“That’s the epitome of the team,” Eagles coach Curt Bauer said. “I ask these guys to check their egos at the door and put their personal gains behind the team gains; that’s defending first and attacking second and they bought into it and they believed in it and that can take you a long way.”

Coach Curt Bauer did not have to worry about egoes and that led to a cohesive team that was just hungry to win.

“You have to remember that they all come from eight to 10 different club teams,” Bauer said.  “And some of them are the main guy on their team or they play certain positions on their team.

“So they would have to come here and I’d have to say, ‘Look, maybe you’re not going to be a forward for us. Roger, you’re going to stay in the back and not come forward and get involved in the attack.’ Things like that they’re not used to doing. So they said, ‘I’ll do that for the team.’

“And they did that, they put the team before they put themselves ahead.”

When asked if the Eagles were going to order two rings (a CIF-SS and CIF SoCal ring) Bauer laughed.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m just happy I get to worry about that.”

Bauer was asked which keeper was better, Billy Thompson or Matt Reiss, who plays for the New England Revolution.

“I only have to go with longevity,” he said. “Matt Reiss. Billy would be very flattered to even be mentioned next to the name of Matt Reiss.” 

***

I WILL SPEND most of Sunday NOT at the Lakers game, but rather finalizing the All-County team. The All-County team will be published on March 18.

***

AFTER INTERVIEWING MIKE Munoz, his father took a picture of the both of us. I’ve covered the kid for about three years now. So any time I’ve covered an athlete that long it can be an emotional farewell. Think about it, Munoz one day could be playing MLS or in England (or whatever) and I’ll get to say, ‘I got to cover him in high school.’ The same can be said of Roger Downes, who in two weeks leaves by himself for Scotland to try out for Dundee United. Downes said it’ll be a great experience for him and no doubt about that.

***

AS I WALKED THROUGH the Santa Margarita crowd I was pulled aside by a few parents. As always it was a pleasure speaking to Mr. Jim McAnena and Pat Sullivan.

Then a huge surprise for me: senior midfielder Jon Manna and a few of his teammates came up to me, shook my hand and said thanks for the coverage.

Only a few athletes have come up to me and said that, so it’s always nice. And you’re welcome. I’m glad you liked the coverage and it was fun engaging with you guys through this blog.

And with that postive note I will bounce from here. It’s 9:38 p.m. as I’m finishing this and my buddies want me to put the laptop to bed and head out for a good ‘ol Saturday night out.

I will blog sometime next week about the All-County team. Thanks for reading.

MIGUEL A. MELENDEZ/The Register

mmelendez@ocregister.com

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