Fountain Valley Again Advances to Final

Fountain Valley earned its second trip to the Division I boys’ soccer finals in three years with a 2-1 victory over visiting Redlands. The Barons will play Simi Valley Royal, which beat Fountain Valley in the 1995 Division I final.

“I can’t believe it,” Fountain Valley Coach Kevin Smith said. “I wanted a shot at Royal because they beat us before.”

Forward Ryan Futagaki gave Fountain Valley (20-4-2) a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute on a penalty kick that was created by freshman Cliff McKinley, who was taken down in the penalty box. Redlands (17-7-5) tied it early in the second half on a header by Jeremy Roush.

Sophomore midfielder Jon Lloyd scored the game-winner with nine minutes left off a cross from junior midfielder Nick Tolman. Fountain Valley goalkeeper Peter Fatzuan had four saves, the biggest coming early in the game when he leaped backward to tip a header off the post.