LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – The excitement of the crowd that came in support of the Lions was palpable Thursday as Live Oak took on the King City Mustangs in the second round of the CIF NorCal Division V Boys Soccer Championships.

The Lions (16-4-3, 7-0-2 Sac Valley League) had the advantage of home field and got off to a quick start, striking first against King City (12-6-1, 7-3 PCAL – Mission). Junior Javier Medina scored in the 18th minute of the game to give his team the lead. The fierce action would continue with tight defensive coverage and impressive footwork by both teams.

While Live Oak did well controlling the ball, the Mustangs’ relentless attack on the Lions would set them up for penalty shots. It was such a shot that would ultimately tie the game. 

The player of the game for King City was Victor Narez. He was the first player to put digits on the scoreboard for the Mustangs and would continue to do so throughout the second half.

At the halftime whistle, the score was tied at one. The players hit the field after the break with renewed energy.

Narez went on to score an additional three goals, recording a hat-trick plus one and carrying his team to the 4-1 victory over Live Oak.

Although the Lions fell behind in the second half, they refused to concede until the final whistle blew. With only six minutes left, the Lions’ valiant attempts at penetrating the Mustangs defense would yield two very close shots at the goal, which ultimately failed.

“We had a great season and the Live Oak boys soccer team should be very proud of everything they have overcome and accomplished,” Lions co-head coach Luis Cibrian said. “We will be back next year to compete.”