Mater Dei Boys Soccer Claims First CIF Regional Title, Eyes State Championship

ORANGE, CA – Mater Dei High School’s boys soccer team secured its first CIF Southern California Regional championship on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with a 1-0 victory over Del Norte High School at El Modena High School. The Monarchs (20-1-3), ranked No. 1 in the state, will now advance to the inaugural CIF Division I state championship match.

Arellano’s Early Goal Propels Mater Dei

The game-winning goal came in the ninth minute, courtesy of Mater Dei’s Andres Arellano. The play began with a throw-in from Kai Cowan near the end line, which found Arellano in the box. Arellano then kicked the ball into the goal.

Defensive Standout Seals the Victory

Mater Dei’s defense proved impenetrable for the remaining 71 minutes, successfully thwarting numerous scoring attempts by Del Norte (20-3). Goalkeeper Nate Enriquez made several crucial saves, including punching the ball away from the goal with his fists and securing free kicks from both 25 and 50 yards out. Defender Matthew Miranda likewise played a key role, kicking away a shot before it could reach the goal. Santiago Schelotto headed away a corner kick in the final minutes.

Coach Ganey Praises Team’s Resilience

“It’s been incredible,” said Mater Dei coach Sean Ganey. “This has been the most incredible group. They’re winners. They’re guys that grind and are relentless and never give up. It’s everything that you could possibly seek for a team.” Ganey highlighted the team’s unwavering sacrifice and dedication as key factors in their success.

State Championship Bound

Mater Dei will face Everett Alvarez in the CIF Division I state championship match on Saturday, March 14, at 8 p.m. At Natomas High School in Sacramento. Everett Alvarez advanced to the championship after defeating Davis Senior High School 3-2 in the Northern Regional final.

Key Players

• Andres Arellano (Mater Dei): Scored the game-winning goal.
• Nate Enriquez (Mater Dei): Goalkeeper with crucial saves.
• Kai Cowan (Mater Dei): Assisted on the game-winning goal with a throw-in.
• Matthew Miranda (Mater Dei): Key defensive play preventing a goal.
• Santiago Schelotto (Mater Dei): Headed away a corner kick in the final minutes.