The Millikan Rams sewed up another boys’ soccer Moore League championship on Monday, with a 3-1 defeat of Poly at home, while Lakewood knotted the second-place Wilson Bruins up in doughnuts. Millikan is now 9-0-2 with 20 points in league, while Wilson is at 7-2-1, with 15 points in league. Since they have just two games left (against Lakewood again on Wednesday, and Millikan on Friday), the maximum number of league points they could win is four, which means they can’t catch the Rams.
“It’s great, for the kids and the group we had this year,” said Millikan coach Rod Petkovic after the win. “With everyone we graduated, nobody really expected us to compete.” The Rams, in addition to the mere two goals allowed in league this year, and the 18 shutouts they’ve had this season, are also ranked no. 1 in CIF right now.
Jose Rodriguez scored first for Millikan, in the 24th minute, then Daniel Delgadillo scored again in the 47th minute. Poly’s Martin Ramirez scored after that to make it competitive, but Delgadillo put the game, and the title, on ice with an insurance goal in the 76th minute.
It was an offensive explosion, considering the Rams got one of their two ties, 0-0, the last time they played Poly. “Last time they played eight behind the ball,” said Petkovic. “This time we adjusted, and scored early to open them up a little.”
Millikan has a bye on Wednesday, then hosts Wilson on Friday—Wilson will host Lakewood and visit Millikan. Wilson’s tie throws a lot into question; if Cabrillo beats Jordan and Compton (twice), those six points could move them ahead of Wilson into the two-seed. Stay tuned!