Boys’ 2--A Soccer Playoffs : Pacifica Runs Out of Upsets, Loses

Pacifica High School’s string of upsets in the boys’ 2-A soccer playoffs ended Tuesday afternoon with a 3-0 semifinal loss at home to Central High School of El Centro.

Sergio Ramirez scored two goals to lead Central (23-1) to its 22nd consecutive victory and a berth in the 2-A final Saturday against Laguna Beach at Gahr High School.

Pacifica, which finished 12-7-4, started in a wild-card bracket and won its last two playoff games in overtime.

Ramirez opened the scoring for Central about 30 minutes into the first half on a rebound of Temo De La Torre’s shot. Pacifica’s Robert Powell came out of the goal to smother De La Torre’s shot, but the ball trickled behind him where Ramirez was waiting alone to tap it in.

Ramirez scored again midway through the second half when he weaved past several Pacifica defenders and scored on a breakaway. Juan Cortez added a goal late in the game.

Senior goalie Ruben Salazar stopped 13 shots and made three big saves in recording his 15th shutout of the year.