Would Santa Monica beat Santa Margarita? Whaddya think?
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Before I get to the poll, for expanded Southern California Regional finals coverage click here for girls and there for boys. Now, onto the poll ...
On Saturday, I asked a group of of people (mostly reporters and broadcasters) who they thought was the better team, Santa Monica (29-0-1) or Santa Margarita (24-3-4), and the overwhelming choice was Santa Monica, which won the Division I regional title by beating Poway, 2-1, in sudden-death overtime on a goal by Juan Magana (pictured).
The two reporters from San Diego had a difference of opinion as to who would win, but both agreed Poway was the stronger team from San Diego, between Poway and San Diego Cathedral, which lost to Santa Margarita, 1-0, in the Division II final.
While I appreciate the so-called expert’s input, I want to know who you -- the fans, the parents and players -- think would win. The poll is open and you can vote as many time as you want, so tell your friends, and tell them to tell their friends, to vote.
To see Santa Margarita’s stats click here.
To see Santa Monica’s, click here.
A match between Santa Monica and Santa Margarita would be off the charts. On one hand, you have Santa Margarita’s defense, which allowed only 12 goals and had 19 shutouts. And on the other you have Santa Monica’s offense, which scored an amazing 110 goals.
Newbury Park Coach Guy Sanford, whose Panthers lost to Santa Margarita, 1-0, and Santa Monica, 2-1, in a span of four days, said he would go out of his way to watch the Vikings and the Eagles play.
‘It would be an incredible, incredible game,’ said Sanford, who felt both teams were even. ‘But Santa Margarita might have the advantage’ because of their defense and their goalkeeper.
Santa Margarita is more disciplined in the back, but a I doubt they’ve seen anything like Santa Monica’s offense. It would be an incredible, incredible match, in deed.
-- Jaime Cardenas
-- Image by Lori Shepler/Los Angeles Times