Mission Bay boys soccer completed an undefeated regular season (16-0-1), which clinched the top seed in the playoffs along with a league title. The Bucs closed out with a dramatic 3-2 road victory over Madison on Saturday with goals from Soren Bengston, Dane Peaslee, and Chase Fisher, after dominating wins over High Tech on Feb. 1, and Christian on Feb. 3.
“It feels fantastic because it’s a great group of boys that worked hard for each other,” said head coach Joe Panian. “I expect pretty much the same of what we’ve been doing so far like having great ball possession.”
As the top seed, Mission Bay will not play again until Friday, Feb. 16 at home against the winner of Imperial versus Otay Ranch scheduled for Tuesday. The Bucs outscored opponents 66 to 12 averaging nearly four goals per game with the only team able to scratch out a draw being Canyon Hills on Dec. 6 in a 1-1 result.
“I have high hopes for the boys that they can keep this streak going,” Panian added.
Panian is in his 25th year at the helm with his first one being the 1998-1999 season when the Bucs were crowned co-champions alongside Cathedral Catholic (University of San Diego High School at the time). He won four league titles during his time playing at San Diego High School along with three CIF championships before moving on to have a standout collegiate career as a goalkeeper for the University of San Diego.
Mission Bay shut out eight of their opponents during the regular season with outstanding play from goalkeeper Nick Herschman, who earned a 0.70 goals against per match average thanks to his great reflexes and solid play from the defensive line. Mission Bay did not play either Imperial or Otay Ranch this season, with the Tigers going 11-12-4 and the Mustangs finishing 7-9-8.
PHOTO BY STEVE SIDELL
