Santa Margarita Girls Soccer Stuns Santiago in Thrilling CIF-SS Playoff Upset – You Won't Believe the Final Score!

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – In a surprising twist during the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs for girls soccer, the top-seeded team, Santa Margarita, found itself facing off against Santiago of Corona in the first round. This matchup was unexpected, given that these two teams had met in the last two Southern Section and CIF State Regional finals, turning their encounters into a fierce rivalry filled with intense competition.

In a game that was anything but typical for a first-round matchup, senior starter Jastel David emerged as the hero, scoring both goals in a thrilling 2-1 victory for the Eagles, allowing them to advance in the playoffs. The teams had previously tied 1-1 on Thursday as part of the division's two-game format.

Santa Margarita's record now stands at 16-1-4, while Santiago finished with a strong 17-3-4 record. David expressed her surprise and excitement at the pairing, stating, “I was a little surprised to see them in the first round, but I was a little excited because it was an opportunity. We can knock them out, and it will be a different team in the final.” Her enthusiasm for facing new competition was evident, as she noted how repetitive it can be to meet the same teams in later rounds.

This young Santa Margarita squad, featuring one senior, one junior, seven sophomores, and two freshmen in the starting lineup, showcased their growing talent and resilience. Coach Craig Bull acknowledged the challenges faced by such a young team, stating, “This team is incredibly young and inexperienced, and to do that to a team like Santiago – with their experience – is crazy. That’s what I’m more proud of than anything else.” His pride was palpable as he reflected on their journey from being Trinity League champions to knocking out a playoff veteran like Santiago in the initial round.

The Eagles now look ahead to their next challenge against Oaks Christian in a two-game series starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, Santa Margarita has a slight edge in recent matchups against Santiago, holding a 3-2-1 record in their last six games.

In the game’s early moments, David struck quickly, scoring just nine minutes in with a precise 15-yard shot that found its way into the far right corner past Santiago keeper Holly Liang. Santiago equalized in the 31st minute through a penalty kick from Abigail Kelly, but David’s second goal at the 43rd minute restored Santa Margarita’s lead, putting them ahead 2-1 at halftime.

Despite a late surge from Santiago, which included a penalty kick block by Santa Margarita's lone junior starter, Felicity Nguyen, the Eagles managed to maintain their advantage. Unofficially, Santa Margarita outshot Santiago 16-7, with just five shots on goal compared to the Sharks’ one. Nguyen contributed to the offense with an assist on the first goal, while Reagan Condon assisted on the second.

Unfortunately for Santiago, the game took a toll when Kelly suffered a sprained knee, leaving the Sharks to finish the match without their leading scorer. Coach Mike Fleming acknowledged the challenge, saying, “They brought a lot of energy in the form of pressure, and we had a tough go of it. They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason. They’re a well-seasoned team, a well-coached team.” He noted the importance of acknowledging the performance of the Eagles while also reflecting on his own team's shortcomings in that crucial moment.

As Santa Margarita moves forward in the playoffs, the blend of youth, talent, and determination is an exciting prospect for fans and teammates alike. With their sights set on further victories, the Eagles hope to write a compelling chapter in their playoff narrative, aiming for what would be their ninth section title.