SOUTHERN SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES / BOYS’ SOCCER DIVISION I

El Toro (14-10-2) vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Loyola (27-3)

6 TONIGHT; CERRITOS GAHR HIGH

El Toro wasn’t even expected to make it out of the wild-card round, but five upsets later, the Chargers find themselves in the Division I championship. Last year was supposed to be El Toro’s year as it had a talented, senior-dominated team, but the Chargers failed to qualify for the playoffs. This year’s group lost seven of its first eight games before rallying to make the playoffs. The Chargers’ improbable run has been keyed by defense. They have won their last three games by scores of 1-0 and their last two in overtime over Arcadia and Long Beach Millikan. El Toro has scored only 36 goals in 26 games, but goalkeeper Josh Saunders has been excellent as has his supporting cast. Forward Julian Gaitan has 17 of the Chargers’ goals, including two game-winners in the playoffs. Loyola is also solid defensively. It has 21 shutouts this season, including three in the playoffs. Seven of Loyola’s 11 starters are seniors. Trevor Mutch is the team’s leading scorer with 31 goals.

KEY PLAYERS

El Toro

Julian Gaitan junior, forward

Sem Lopez sophomore, midfielder

Josh Saunders junior, goalkeeper

Loyola

Shaun Mutch senior, defender

Trevor Mutch senior, forward

Carlos Sacasa senior, midfielder

Schedule Today

At Cerritos Gahr High

Division I

El Toro vs. L.A. Loyola, 6 p.m.

Division V

Palos Verdes Chadwick vs. San Bernardino Aquinas, 4 p.m.