After winning CIF title, San Clemente boys soccer team ready for another challenge

San Clemente’s boys soccer team celebrates after winning the CIF title Saturday. (Photo courtesy San Clemente Athletics).

San Clemente High School’s boys soccer team celebrated Saturday after capturing the CIF Division 2 championship with a 2-0 victory over Long Beach Poly at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

It was the fourth CIF title in 12 years for San Clemente.

But there is still work to be done for the Tritons, who open the CIF Southern California Division II Regional Championships Tuesday at home.

“We now play Poway in state first round Tuesday at home at 5 p.m. and are the number two seed so are excited to hopefully extend the season and keep our strong form going,” said San Clemente Coach Chris Murray on Monday.

The Tritons enter the regional with some momentum.

“We are on a 12-game unbeaten run defeating a strong Long Beach Poly team 2-0 in the final. We have outscored the opposition 12-1 in our championship run so are peaking at the right time,” Murray said.

Finn Linas and Beckham Beauchemin scored for San Clemente and Ryan Savoie posted his 11th shutout of the season in Saturday’s final, the coach said.

Jake Poole, who has been the team’s top scorer with 13 goals, also contributed to the win.

“(Poole) has been key contributor with another assist.” Murray said. “He cleared one off the line in a game winning play with minute to go.”

 “I saw the open space in the goal as my keeper was at one post defending by the play and I just got to the other side as quickly as possible to help defend any deflections or shots,” Poole, who also competes in football and track and field, said of the late defensive effort.

“We stopped the attack all game, scored on opportunities and this team is special.”

San Clemente (13-3-8) recorded wins over Norte Vista, 2-0; Artresia, 4-0; Santiago Corona, 1-0; and Agoura, 4-1 to reach the finals.

The future also looks bright for San Clemente.,

“We have around 12 players returning next year so are excited for the future,” the coach said.

—-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com