Heat Win on Kicks, but Fall to Third

Real Santa Barbara, the most penalized team in the American Professional Soccer League West, made one mistake too many Saturday night, but still held on to first place in the league’s Southern Division.

Midfielder Mike Simon received a red card at the 86-minute mark and left Santa Barbara a man down. The Heat responded with two goals in the final two minutes of regulation to tie, then won it, 3-2, on penalty kicks after two scoreless overtime periods.

The victory at West Torrance High before 952 didn’t help the Heat in the standings. Because of the league’s scoring system, which credits losing teams for the number of goals they score, Santa Barbara held on to first place by a point (46-45) over Arizona. The Heat (44) dropped to third.

Mike Gregorian and Waldir Guerra scored goals for the Heat.

Cal State Dominguez Hills Coach Marine Cano made his second consecutive start in goal for the Heat.

Four minutes into the game, Santa Barbara’s Cesar Plasencia scored from 20 yards out. It scored again when Tim Vom Steeg top-tapped the ball past Cano.