Before La Costa Canyon High School’s boys soccer team traveled to Fallbrook for a Jan. 31 game, the Mavericks shared first place in the Avocado West League standings and were third among the county’s teams in the maxpreps.com rankings. Fallbrook’s 1-0 win at La Costa Canyon’s expense gave both the Warriors and the Mavericks 4-2 league records to share second place in the circuit standings.

"It was a great match," said Fallbrook coach Jorge Rojas. "The guys came on strong."

The players also carried out the team’s game plan. "We had many good scoring opportunities throughout the first half," Rojas said.

The game’s only goal occurred 23 minutes into the first half. Warrior senior Sergio Lopez stole the ball before scoring from about 20 yards out. "He took on four La Costa players and finished through with the goalkeeper," Rojas said.

The ball went into the right side of the net. The defense led by junior goalkeeper Gilbert Lopez, senior outside back Miguel Calderon, senior stopper Rodrigo Paz, junior outside back McIan Martin, and senior sweeper Ivan Velos preserved the shutout. "They were really well-structured," Rojas said of Fallbrook’s defense.

Lopez made six saves against the Mavericks.

"The guys have really nailed down the game," Rojas said. "They pretty much nailed everything that night."

Fallbrook began league play Jan. 15 with a 3-0 loss on La Costa Canyon’s field. The Warriors then took a 2-1 victory Jan. 17 at home against Vista and a 3-0 win Jan. 22 at El Camino. Carlsbad’s Jan. 24 game at Fallbrook resulted in a 6-1 win for the Lancers, but on Jan. 29 the Warriors traveled to Rancho Buena Vista and returned with a 2-1 triumph over the Longhorns. Luis Velasquez scored both goals against Rancho Buena Vista with Lopez and Edward Benito recording assists.

The wins over Rancho Buena Vista and La Costa Canyon gave Fallbrook a 10-9 overall season record. "It’s been a great season," Rojas said.

"Overall the program has really stepped it up," Rojas said. "The guys are responding well. They continue to be fully committed as well as responsible."