LA CRESCENTA >> When Crescenta Valley scored early in the second half of its soccer match with Burroughs Tuesday, the Burroughs players stayed calm.
“We’ve been in this position before so no matter what, we have what it takes to come back,” senior Richard Alonzo said.
Burroughs had trailed early in two prior losses to Crescenta Valley but the third time proved the charm after Alonzo scored in the 68th minute on a header.
The goal helped visiting Burroughs to a 1-1 tie at Crescenta Valley and Burroughs celebrated knowing it had clinched a share of its first Pacific League title since 2014.
“We knew we wanted a tie or win because we can’t lose to CV anymore,” Burroughs keeper Jordan Morgan said.
It was fitting that Morgan ended the game with a save as he cradled the ball just before the final whistle blew. It was even sweeter that Alonzo, who played in his sixth game after an injury in December, had the equalizer.
On a corner kick from Josh Sanchez, Cameron Kelly headed the ball towards Alonzo, who headed it into the net.
“I was going front post but Kelly told me to go to the back post and I’ll get it to you,” Alonzo said, “If it wasn’t for him telling me where to go, I wouldn’t have had the chance to score.”
Burroughs (16-4-4, 10-2-1) remained three points ahead of Crescenta Valley (17-3-4, 8-1-4) and a win Thursday against rival Burbank would seal the program’s first league title.
After a scoreless first half, Crescenta Valley found the net in the 49th minute on a set piece. Tomik Baghramian ran unmarked in front of the net and kicked in a throw-in by Zander Bakunowski.
Crescenta Valley had a chance to double the lead in the 60th minute. Keeper Luis Flores made a save on a free kick and immediately sent it forward to Henry Barkhordarian, who had a two-on-one in the open field.
Barkhordarian passed it to Kyle Quesada but his shot went right to Morgan.
“Most of the time we figure that play out but Jordan is a great keeper,” Crescenta Valley coach Grant Clark said.
Crescenta Valley also had several chances in front of the net that Burroughs back line was able to clear away. The Falcons host Arcadia at home Thursday in its season finale.
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