SOCCER PLAYOFFS : Stolen Pass Sets Up Bell Gardens’ Win

After a scoreless first half in which Bell Gardens was unable to convert a penalty kick, striker Cesar Reynoso scored two goals and Carlos Farias tallied one as the Lancers beat Pacifica, 3-0, for a first-round Southern Section Division III playoff victory Friday.

Martin Castillo missed a penalty kick in the 19th minute of the first half when his shot hit the crossbar.

It wasn’t until 32 minutes into the second half that Bell Gardens (17-5-1) paralyzed Pacifica (16-8-2) on a defensive blunder, leading to the Lancers’ first goal.

Mariner fullback Trevor Powell’s backpass to goalkeeper Justin McAnear misfired at the goalmouth, leaving the ball loose for Reynoso to tap into the back of the net.

Thirty seconds later, Farias, who was voted Most Valuable Player of the Almont League, knocked in another goal on a left-footed volley from 30 yards out.

Farias set up the final goal when he beat two defenders down the left flank and squared a perfect pass to Reynoso, who put the ball in on one touch.

The Mariners were held to five shots in the game, with only one shot on goal in the second half. The Lancers had 17 shots in goal the game.