Los Alamitos High’s boys soccer team saw its run in the CIF-SS Division I playoffs come to an end with a 2-0 loss at second-seeded Long Beach Millikan in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Feb. 23.
The Griffins were again locked in a tight game until the final few minutes when the Rams were able to ice the game with an insurance goal just before the end of the game.
The Griffins had controlled the ball for most of the first half, but could not take advantage with a goal.
The game went into halftime tied at 0-0, but shortly into the second half, the Rams were able to break the tie.
A foul outside the goal box gave the Rams a free kick from about 30 yards out on the left side. Millikan defender Octavio Cervantes was able to make a diving header on the kick across the front of the goal and redirect it past the goalie into the right side of the net.
The Griffins (18-8-4) were able to get a couple of strong chances late in the game and nearly tied the score. But solid goal keeping by Rams goalie Steven Barrera turned away two good chances. The loss ended the Griffins’ season after a strong run late in the season.
After two losses and a tie dropped them to 3-2-2 in league play, the Griffins finished the regular season with three consecutive wins to take second place in the Sunset League.
The Griffins then defeated San Marcos and Aliso Niguel in the playoffs to reach the quarterfinals.
