Irvine Valley Men Beat Santa Barbara for Title

Irvine Valley added to its rapidly growing image as an athletic power with its first State men’s soccer title. The Lasers beat Santa Barbara, the No. 1-ranked team in Southern California, 2-0, Sunday at Orange Coast College.

It was the second State title for Irvine Valley this fall and the fourth for the college, which started competition in 1990. Irvine Valley also has won the State women’s cross-country titles in 1991 and 1993 and a men’s volleyball title last spring.

Sunday, the Lasers figured to have some defensive lapses because one of their better players--Dan Barrie--received a red card Saturday in the 4-1 victory over Ohlone in one semifinal. Under state rules, players who are ejected must sit out the next game.

But the Lasers stepped up their play and marked Santa Barbara well, especially in the first half.

Santa Barbara (19-1-1) managed two shots in the half. Irvine Valley keeper Justin Osterfeld, who is known for yelling loudly when he fears the ball is getting too close, was quiet for the most part.

Meanwhile, Irvine Valley was pressing hard on offense.

The Lasers took the lead, 1-0, when George Larsen, a freshman from Mission Viejo High School, got the ball in front and scored 17 minutes into the game.

Irvine Valley went ahead, 2-0, a few minutes later when Frank Pace, a sophomore from Mission Viejo High School, drilled in a left-footer from about 15 yards.

The victory was satisfying for Pace, who was on the 1991 Irvine Valley team that lost to Orange Coast in the State title game.

“The feeling is great,” said Pace, who was the tournament’s most valuable player. “We wanted it the whole year and we got it. It’s all because of (my teammates).”

In the second half, Santa Barbara made a strong charge at the outset.

The Vaqueros had five shots in the first seven minutes but couldn’t convert. Santa Barbara’s best scoring opportunity came 23 minutes into the half. With the ball loose and four Santa Barbara players swarming in front of the net, the Vaqueros’ Greg DePaco got the ball and lined it toward the goal. But the ball slammed off the crossbar and was kicked away by Irvine Valley.

From there, Irvine Valley, led by midfielder Jason Sorrell, regained control, keeping play in the middle of the field.

“As long as we worked hard, we figured we could match with anybody,” Irvine Valley Coach Martin McGrogan said. “Today the guys were just great.”