Santa Margarita, Woodbridge Must Settle for a Tie in Boys’ Soccer

Santa Margarita and Woodbridge could have both used the victory, but neither could afford the loss, so maybe their 0-0 tie was predictable Wednesday.

Santa Margarita (11-7-4, 3-2-4) is battling El Toro for a playoff berth; Woodbridge (13-3-6, 4-1-4) is challenging Newport Harbor for the Sea View League title. Woodbridge was more aggressive, outshooting Santa Margarita, 11-6, but both teams had only one serious scoring opportunity.

Santa Margarita’s opportunity came late in the first half when Brandon Meeks’ drive from 25 yards deflected off the crossbar and down to the ground. The Eagles were unable to follow Meeks’ shot. Woodbridge had its best chance to score early in the second half when forward Yigal Kerszenbaum beat sweeper Nick Sparks to a long ball. But Kerszenbaum’s shot was smothered by Santa Margarita goalkeeper Byron Foss.

“This time of the year teams are playing not to make mistakes,” Woodbridge Coach Jon Szczuka said. “It’s no secret, we’ve struggled to score goals. Fortunately, we’ve been keeping the ball out of the net on the other end.”

Woodbridge goalkeeper Doug Allan recorded his 13th shutout in 17 games, but the Warriors are a point behind Sea View leader Newport Harbor with one game left. Santa Margarita began the league season with two losses and tie but have gone unbeaten in its last seven games and is tied with El Toro for third place.