The Mission Bay boys soccer team was crowned CIF Div. IV Section champions after a dominating 5-1 victory over Mater Dei on Thursday, Feb. 22, at Madison High School.
The win marked the end of a historic year that saw the Bucs finish undefeated (19-0-1) on their way to their first title since the 1998-1999 season.
Mission Bay was led by Dane Peaslee who had a hat-trick and goals from Gavin Marzion and Chase Enyart putting the game away in the first 45 minutes of play and taking a 4-0 lead into halftime. Each side added one more goal in the second half with Mater Dei scoring its only goal of the match in the final 10 minutes.
“This CIF championship and unbeaten run could not have happened to a better group of guys,” said head coach Joe Panian.
The Bucs defeated Otay Ranch and Gompers Preparatory Academy on their way to the championship game after going 16-0-1 during the regular season. The team scored 76 goals combined during the regular and postseason while only giving up 14 goals thanks, in large part, to the outstanding play of goalkeeper Nick Herschman.
“The final was indicative of the whole season with the effort and energy the boys brought,” Panian added. “It was and always been a collective team effort.”
Among the standout players were Spencer Morton and Carter Choung who shut down the Mater Dei midfield. We were explosive in the offensive end creating scoring opportunities for Peaslee, Marzion, and Enyart.
“It was a historic night for Mission Bay High School soccer going undefeated for the whole season and being able to lift another CIF banner,” said Panian. “I am so proud of the boys.”
Photo by Lauren Robinson
