Rancho San Diego
What started out to be a rebuilding year for Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu, turned into the dream PCAC Conference Championship run. The Coyote men composed mostly of freshman, had months to learn Coach Hiatt-Aleu's system, style of play and navigate the rigors of a new school academic standards set forth by new Dean, Tonie Campbell. Going into the final game of the conference series, the Coyotes entered with a five game winning streak. Their last lost, was also their final opponent Mesa. Mira Costa sitting in second place was still in the discussion. However it would take two wins in their final games and a Cuyamaca loss. A loss or tie in either game for Mira Costa would hand the title to the Coyotes. However, Coach Hiatt-Aleu expressed openly this thoughts.
"I'm hoping Mira Costa wins both. I don't want to win a Championship that way. I don't win (a championship) like that. I want my guys to win it." - Coyote Head Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu on his thoughts about winning the PCAC Championship.
Both teams played tight in the first 10 minutes of the opening half. Like boxers, they explored openings, weaknesses and looked for opportunities to score. The Coyotes controlled the ball for the majority of the game. Diego Garcia, however was the first to exploit the keeper's weak-side and open the flood gates for the Coyotes. He found the back of the net at minute 15:00 and was quickly followed by seven more goals. Sophomore Adan Rios was next up with a blistering shot from ten yards out, finding a narrow window. Ian Garcia followed with a close in attack fed by Austin Barba. Austin Barba then found his own spot assisted by Captain Gerardo Ambriz in the 40:00 minute. At the half, the Coyotes were up 4 -1 and feeling the glow of a potential championship on the horizon.
The second half, if anyone told the team to cruise and let the clock run out, the team surely wasn't listening. Goals from Enrique Rodriguez with assist by Kevin Blanchard at the 56:00 minute mark, followed by Abel De Santiago at the 67:00 and 70:00 mark almost secured the win. However, Mesa wasn't completely done either, they managed to score two successive goals off penalties just to keep things interesting. However, the "larger lady" was warming up her voice and the Gatorade shower was prepped as the nail on the lid happen with Anthony Torres scoring the 8th and final point for the Coyote win.
The Coyotes return to the title ranks with the win. It is their first win under new Dean and Athletic Director Tonie Campbell. "I'm just thrilled for the athletes, coaches and staff that fought so hard to support this team and encourage them through their struggles while they discovered themselves and the Champions within themselves. I proud to just be a part of this season and look forward to supporting them as they move onward as the PCAC Conference representatives in the upcoming SoCal Regional Championships. I and the entire campus, are behind them and can't wait to cheer them on. Go Coyotes!"
The win also clinched the PCAC MVP title for Gerardo Ambriz, along with Brian Hiatt-Aleu winning the PCAC Coach of the Year.
