San Pedro Beats Poly’s Defense in Overtime, 3-1

All season long, the strength of the Poly High soccer team has been its defense. Entering Thursday’s City semifinal playoff with San Pedro, the Parrots had allowed less than one goal per match.

That average took a beating in the first of two 10-minute overtime periods as Poly lost, 3-1.

Poly Coach Frank Sandoval found solace in the outcome, saying his young team can use the defeat to mature.

“They shouldn’t hang their heads. This type of game is a good experience for next year,” he said.

San Pedro (16-0-0) plays Belmont, the defending City champion, on Jan. 23. Belmont defeated Kennedy, 3-0, on Thursday. Poly (13-2-2) plays at 5 p.m. before the championship in an exhibition match that serves as a third-place game.

With the score tied, 1-1, in the first overtime, San Pedro midfielder Anthony Lobro scored the go-ahead goal on a header 10 yards from the goal.

Eight minutes later, San Pedro forward Raul Haro put the ball into the net on a crossing shot, his 37th goal of the season.

“Their second goal was scored because of a defensive mistake we made,” Sandoval said. “On the play, midfielder David Umana slipped, which allowed their man to get into position for the score.”