By Mike Finnerty
mike.finnerty@surewestsports.com
Playoffs got underway this week in boy’s soccer and there were two teams looking to begin their quest for a third straight section title – the Jesuit Marauders (Division I) and the Encina Bulldogs (Division VI).
On Wednesday, Encina opened up the playoffs with a match up against visiting Waterford, and after a scoreless first half Encina tallied a pair of goals in the second half to defeat Waterford, 2-0.
The win was Encina’s seventh straight and 11th in the last 12 games, and for Encina head coach John Buchmiller it's all about the big picture.
"It's a big burden (defending title) to carry here. Our previous championships have come with a star player, but this group plays better together. I keep telling them they need to make their own legacy," said Buchmiller.
Encina senior Nelson Rodriguez broke the scoreless tie in the 53rd minute when Mendoza, going to his right, drilled a shot into the right side of net to go up 1-0.
Throughout the second half, Encina got several good looks at the goal, but couldn’t convert, and with under two minutes left to play in the match, the Bulldogs nailed down the victory with a Ramses Galvez score from almost the same spot that Mendoza scored from, securing the 2-0 win.
Goal keeper Fernando Barrera provided solid play in the net for Encina, but Waterford never really came close to scoring.
"A section title would be a good way for me to go out," said Buchmiller.
Encina will be back on the home pitch again Tuesday when they take on Delhi in the Division VI semi-finals.