Boys’ soccer: No stalemate in matchup of reigning champs

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For a No. 1-seeded team, you might say Santa Margarita almost got rooked.

After emerging victorious from the insanely tough Trinity League, the Eagles were rightfully rewarded with the top spot in the Southern Section Division I playoffs.

So who should they face in the first round Friday but Loyola — the team they tied 1-1 to share the championship with last season. Hardly a token pawn for these master class Eagles to toy with.

Thanks to Mike Munoz, however, this chess match would not end in a stalemate. Kept in check most of the game, the Eagles’ senior forward finally broke through for the decisive move, scoring the only goal with five minutes left.

Now, having outwitted the clever Cubs, is it all downhill from here for the top-seeded Eagles?

Hardly. It’s more like an uphill battle.

-- Steve Galluzzo

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