By Jon Haber
Special to the Daily Press

DOWNTOWN For the first time in the team’s 36-year history, the Santa Monica High School Ocean League champion boys’ soccer team (25-0-1, 9-0) has made it to the CIF-SS Division IV championship game.

Samohi brings its undefeated record to the pitch against Jurupa Valley of Mira Loma (24-2-4, 6-2-2) Saturday at Warren High School in Downey. It’s the first matchup ever between the two teams.

Vikings head coach Frank Gatell believes his defense, which hasn’t allowed a goal throughout the playoffs, will be the key to success.

“The defense has been playing very aggressive to the ball,” the 11-year coach said. “We win by sacrificing our bodies and not letting the ball get by. The little things make the big difference.”

The team’s defense is anchored by senior defender Nick Ferro and senior goalkeeper Alex Kovacs.

“Our defense has been strong, and we’ve made some good improvements thanks to the coaches,” Kovacs said.

The goalie will look to keep the team focused on keeping the ball on the Jaguars’ side of the field. Kovacs also has the confidence his defense can keep Jurupa Valley senior forward Christopher Romero in check. Romero leads the Jaguars with 10 goals and eight assists this season.

“Our shutdown defender all year has been [senior] Chris De La Rosa. We always tend to put him on the [opponent’s] best player,” Kovacs said. “If it turns out he needs help, well send over some other players.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings will look to senior forwards Alessandro Canale, Artur Jozkowicz and Charlie Paris and senior midfielder Luis Zavala to set the pace on Samohi’s side of the field.

“We need those guys to give us the tempo and pace of game we’re looking for,” Gatell said.

Gatell’s players know what they need to do to be champs.

“We need to do a good job of pressing the issue, making sure were pressuring the defense and holding onto the ball,” Paris said. “We have to create and finish with all of our opportunities.”

The game will take place on synthetic turf. And, according to Gatell, that works just fine for the Vikings.

“We play well on those fields. Our passing is crisp, movement with the ball is a little more concise,” he said.

Samohi has cruised thus far in the playoffs, outscoring opponents by a combined 16-0. The Vikings defeated Channel Islands 3-0 last Tuesday to earn a trip to the finals.

“It’s still surreal,” Paris said. “We’ve worked the whole season to get to this point. The championship is within our reach. It’s a great situation to be in and we want to capitalize on this one because it’s the big one.”

The championship match will begin at 10 a.m.

news@smdp.com