Sophomore defender Haydn Dickinson scored in the 80th minute on an assist from William Joyce on Tuesday afternoon, leading SBCC to a 1-0 men's soccer victory at Santa Monica.
It was a key win for the Vaqueros' playoff push as they moved into the 14th and final Southern Cal Regional spot, according to the RPI rankings. Santa Barbara improved to 10-4-6 and 6-3-6 in the WSC with its fourth win in five games. The third-place Corsairs fell to 12-4-4 and 8-4-3 with one game to play.
Joyce, a sophomore midfielder from England, took on three defenders, then delivered a left-footed cross to Dickinson for his second goal of the year.
The Vaqueros outshot Santa Monica 22-2, including 10-1 in shots on goal. Freshman goalie Zac Gottlieb posted his fifth shutout.
Coach John Sisterson has guided the Vaqueros to 10 or more wins in 7 of his 9 seasons.
"We needed something to get us to the playoffs and this was a huge win," said assistant coach Goffin Boyoko. "Haydn, Johan Mauritzson and Jacob Salas led the defense and Billy Joyce was our most consistent player."
SBCC concludes conference play on Friday with a 1 p.m. home date vs. Moorpark.
