By Arnie Leshin
St. Michael’s reigning state 3A boys soccer champions are still winless in four games, but they came closest to victory Thursday before losing to District 2-3A rival Santa Fe Prep, 1-0, in a pair of overtimes on the Griffins’ field.
With the win, Prep advanced to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in district, with each district champion earning a state tournament berth. The Horsemen have scored only one goal so far, that coming late in the 4-1 setback to visiting Socorro.
This one was decided with about a minute remaining in the second overtime when freshman Yuto Oketani scored. The play had begun after the St. Michael’s goalie had cleared a ball out of the box, but the possession failed and instead went to Oketani and he found the net.
The Griffins play again Saturday, in a morning game against visiting Gallup Rehoboth. The Horsemen play next on Tuesday afternoonversus East Mountain.