BRENTWOOD, CA - With its 4-1 victory over intra-district rival Liberty on Tuesday, the Heritage Patriots boys' soccer team not only equaled its win total from the last four years combined, but also made history by securing at least a share of the Bay Valley Athletic League title, a first for the program.
"I thought we played very well (tonight)," said first-year Heritage coach Matt Caniglia. "The boys were very focused and ready to play from the opening whistle."
The Patriots left no doubt they were focused against their cross-town opponents, racing to a 4-0 lead, as junior Younes Dayekh continued his assault on the net this season, putting together a hat trick, while fellow junior Erick Maldonado scored the other goal. Dayekh has now scored 20 goals this season.
"We moved the ball very well, and also did a great job of limiting Liberty's chances offensively," Caniglia said. "Overall, I was very pleased with the intensity our team showed tonight."
With the win, Heritage improved to 8-1 in BVAL action, and 15-2-3 overall. Liberty fell to 3-6 in the BVAL, 5-11 overall.
Heritage now hosts second-place Pittsburg (12-6-3, 7-2) on Thursday in the regular-season finale for both teams. The Patriots lead by one game in the standings, needing a win or a draw to clinch the outright title. Pittsburg, meanwhile, needs a win in order to share the crown with the Patriots, and keep alive its current streak of four straight league titles.
The BVAL does not have a tiebreaker to determine its league champion, so the teams will each get a banner should the Pirates win on Thursday.
