Carlos Espinoza fired in 35-yard screamer in the 80th minute on Friday, lifting SBCC over Santa Monica 1-0 and into a tie for second place in the final WSC North men's soccer standings.
The Vaqueros are 10-8-1 and 5-4-1, leaving them in a tie for second with L.A. Mission. Santa Barbara was hoping for a Southern Cal Regional playoff berth but the Vaqueros are 19th in Southern Cal Power Points and only the top 14 qualify. The Corsairs fell to 11-6-5 and 4-3-3.
"We played very well on the road and we never conceded," said coach John Sisterson. "We always had a chance to do something. Carlos' goal from 35 yards out was an absolute missle. He ripped it right into the top netting.
"We always felt we'd score a goal and hopefully that's enough to get into the playoffs. We've been unlucky this year with a lot of injuries."
Santa Barbara outshot the Corsairs 9-5 and beat them for the second time this year.
The Vaqueros received five yellow cards and Santa Monica got two yellows and a red in the 80th minute.
The playoff pairings will be announced on Tuesday.
