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Emperors Over-Throne by Heat

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The Los Angeles Heat’s championship caliber defense lived up to its reputation Saturday, shutting down the California Emperors, 2-0, to clinch the Southern Division title of the American Professional Soccer League West.

Playing before 3,823 on the Emperors’ home field at the University of Redlands, the Heat got a first-half goal from Brad Smith. Jimmy Gabarra scored with a minute left.

The Heat defense stifled the Emperors, holding them to 11 shots. Heat goalie Mike Littman was credited with four saves.

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The Heat, who beat the Emperors twice in regular-season play, got only 12 shots. Emperor goalkeeper Chris Wilson, the former Cal State Dominguez Hills standout, made three saves.

Smith, the one-time Culver City High football standout, scored at 41:02. Joe Flanagan was credited with an assist on the goal.

Gabarra scored on a pass from Mike Gregorian in the 89th minute.

The Heat, 11-9 in the regular season, is 3-1 in the playoffs. The Emperors had won seven consecutive games. Their last loss was to the Heat on July 1.

The Heat advances to the APSL West championship series against the Northern Division winner, either San Francisco or Colorado. The Heat will play host for the opening game of the home-and-home series at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach on Sept. 8.

The Heat defeated Santa Barbara last week to advance to the Southern Division title game.

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