In a game to decide the league championship Tuesday, the Menlo boys’ soccer team closed out the regular season with a 4-1 victory over host Harker, and captured back-to-back West Bay Athletic League titles.

“I think we lost a lot of talented players last year. It was great to see so many step up to the occasion, and just get it done - it’s super exciting,” said senior co-captain Daniel Louie.

It is the Knights fifth league championship in program history. Menlo secured the title after a win over Harker last season as well. but this one came down to the wire. Entering the game, Menlo (10-1-1) led by a point with Sacred Heart second one point back and Harker third with 24 points.

Since a loss in the league opener, the Knights went 10-0-1, including a 3-0 win in the rematch with SHP.

“It was tough at the beginning of the season and starting off with a loss, but I think after that we really came together. I think we bounced back and really created a team culture and chemistry that has shown in the rest of our games since then.”  

Just minutes into the game. Andre Gonzales Lombera, a sophomore, scored on an assist from Cisco Argueta. Gonzales Lombera sent a cross which was deflected then pushed in for an own goal. Senior goalie Colin Thomas knocked out a penalty kick, and the Knights took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Alessandro Velasquez, a sophomore, scored on a pass from Gonzalez Lombera, who picked up the deflection for a 3-1 lead in the 78th minute. Amari Makasini, a senior, converted on an assist from sophomore Jacob Lee in final minutes to secure the win,