Lincoln High School boys soccer team wins CIF title in dramatic fashion

Hornets outlast Bayfront Charter 1-1 (7-6 in PKs) to claim CIF San Diego Section Division 5 championship

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a thrilling championship match that went to penalty kicks, the Lincoln High School boys soccer team defeated Bayfront Charter 1-1 (7-6 in PKs) to win the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 title. The game-winning save in the shootout was made by Lincoln goalkeeper Dillan Diaz, capping off a legendary performance by the Hornets.

Why it matters

This victory marks the first CIF title for the Lincoln High School boys soccer program in nearly a decade, a significant accomplishment for the school and the local community. The dramatic nature of the match, with the game going to overtime and a penalty kick shootout, has generated excitement and pride among fans of high school sports in the San Diego area.

The details

The championship match remained scoreless until the 38th minute, when Lincoln's Diego Ramirez scored on a rebound shot. Bayfront Charter equalized in the 49th minute with a header from Antonio Hernandez. Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, but the game went to overtime and then a penalty kick shootout. Lincoln goalkeeper Dillan Diaz made four saves in the shootout, including the game-winning stop, to clinch the CIF title for the Hornets.

  • The championship match was played on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Lincoln scored the opening goal in the 38th minute.
  • Bayfront Charter equalized in the 49th minute.
  • The game went to overtime and then a penalty kick shootout.
  • Lincoln won the shootout 7-6 to claim the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 title.

The players

Dillan Diaz

The Lincoln High School goalkeeper who made the game-winning save in the penalty kick shootout to clinch the CIF title for the Hornets.

Diego Ramirez

The Lincoln High School player who scored the opening goal in the 38th minute to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead.

Antonio Hernandez

The Bayfront Charter freshman who scored the equalizing goal in the 49th minute to make it 1-1.

Elizabeth Munoz

The Lincoln High School head coach who led the Hornets to the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 championship.

Sepulveda

The Bayfront Charter goalkeeper who made three saves in the penalty kick shootout.

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What they’re saying

“This is a legendary moment, and I couldn't be happier or prouder of this team and this coaching staff.”

— Elizabeth Munoz, Lincoln High School head coach

“When I have chances or opportunities, I am going to take shots. The ball was up in the sky, and I just took a shot. Then I came down and realized the rebound was just right there, so I took it.”

— Diego Ramirez, Lincoln High School player

“In the moment, I was just trying to see what foot he would use, and go from there. When I blocked it, I just felt happiness.”

— Dillan Diaz, Lincoln High School goalkeeper

What’s next

The Lincoln High School boys soccer team will now prepare for the upcoming regional playoffs, where they will look to continue their championship run and potentially earn a spot in the state tournament.

The takeaway

This thrilling victory for the Lincoln High School boys soccer team demonstrates the power of perseverance, teamwork, and clutch performances in high-stakes championship matches. The Hornets' triumph will inspire the local community and serve as a testament to the dedication and skill of the players and coaching staff.