Merced, Livingston soccer set for title games

Bart McAfee vividly remembers the chip with which his 2008 Sac-Joaquin Section Division I boys soccer championship team played.

Beyer’s 1996 team was one of two squads from the southern half of the section – Franklin of Stockton was the other, in 1980 – to raise a blue banner in Division I since the 1980s, and his Merced boys soccer team had something to prove against mighty Davis of Yolo.

It’s a trait McAfee hopes the sixth-seeded Bears (21-4-3) will share as they face No. 4 Vintage of Napa (18-1-3) in the Division II title game at Cosumnes Oaks in Elk Grove on Saturday at 2 p.m.

“The thing I told the guys is, they can’t be content with just getting here,” McAfee said. “They’d just missed out on the title game the last two years, and so hopefully, they don’t relax now.

“The south still hasn’t won a lot of these championship games, even in Division II. When we won it all, I remember the chip that team had on its shoulders wanting to earn some respect. I hope this team has that same desire.”

Merced won’t be the only local team trying to bring home a championship banner, as fifth-seeded Livingston (14-4-5) faces No. 2 Weston Ranch in the Division IV final at Stagg High in Stockton, also at 2 p.m.

Wolves coach Art Pulido also has championship experience to impart on his team, but his was seen through the eyes of a player on Livingston’s 2007 Division V section champ.

“I remember being nervous, like everyone else, but putting that aside and realizing we belonged there,” Pulido said. “We’d earned our way into that game. It’s something I’ve tried to share with the kids.”

Merced has a few advantages. The Bears just beat 2013 champ Cosumnes Oaks on the field that will host the championship, and McAfee received a comprehensive scouting report from Vintage semifinal foe Atwater.

The Crushers have pace and technical skill on the wings, a big body up front in striker Jesus Ochoa and a big, athletic goalkeeper in Danny Villalpando.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a good game,” McAfee said. “I doubt we’ll blow them out, and I don’t think they’ll blow us out. They’re a very good defensive team. They haven’t given up very many goals all season, and all three of their playoff wins have been 1-0. A big reason for that is probably having a good goalie back there.”

Pulido has less info on Weston Ranch (23-2-3) but believes two last-minute playoff wins prove his team can play with anyone.

“Looking at their stats, basically two guys have done all of their damage,” Pulido said. “I’m assuming they’re strikers, but we really feel like our defense has become a strength. We’re very organized back there now and feel prepared for the challenge.”

This story was originally published November 14, 2014 at 9:57 PM with the headline "Merced, Livingston soccer set for title games."