SOUTHERN SECTION 2-A BOYS’ SOCCER PLAYOFFS : Garcia Scores Three to Propel Anaheim

Anaheim, led by Jaime Garcia’s three goals, caught Arroyo Grande off guard in a Southern Section 2-A boys’ soccer semifinal match Tuesday, defeating the Eagles, 3-1, at Anaheim High School.

The victory sends the Colonists into the 2-A championship game for the first time since 1984. Anaheim (19-1-8) will play Los Alamitos Saturday at 6 p.m. at Cerritos Gahr High School.

Arroyo Grande (26-2-1) had trouble handling the Colonists’ style of play, which is marked by short, quick passes. Garcia scored two of his three goals off fast breaks.

With Arroyo Grande ahead, 1-0, Garcia scored from 15 yards out, giving Anaheim a 1-1 tie midway through the first half.

Garcia’s other goals came in the second half. With 11 minutes remaining, Anaheim’s Armando Solis was fouled in the goal box, and Garcia scored on the ensuing penalty kick, giving Anaheim a 2-1 lead. Garcia, who has 23 goals this season, scored again eight minutes later.