University boys soccer shuts out Granite Hills to win Division 4 title

A remarkable save by goalkeeper Lucca Clouthier early in the game sets the tone as University wins its first CIF-SS title since 2018.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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The third-seeded University boys soccer team defeated top-seeded Granite Hills 3-0 in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship game. University goalkeeper Lucca Clouthier made several key saves early on to set the tone, and the Trojans scored three unanswered goals in the second half to claim their first section title since 2018.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant achievement for the University boys soccer program, which was the fourth-place team in the Pacific Coast League but managed to defeat the Desert Sky League champion Granite Hills to win the Division 4 title. The game showcased the talent and resilience of the University squad, particularly their standout goalkeeper Lucca Clouthier.

The details

University scored the game's first goal in the 38th minute when junior Arya Tayaranibeegham found the back of the net. The Trojans then added two more goals in the second half, with Jake Rabold scoring in the 61st minute and Pavlos Mikhael converting a free kick in the 68th minute. University outshot Granite Hills 17-9 on the night, with Clouthier making four saves to record the shutout.

  • The CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship game was played on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Clouthier made his two best saves of the season in the 13th minute and the 53rd minute of the game.

The players

Lucca Clouthier

A 6-foot-3 senior goalkeeper for University who made several key saves to set the tone and preserve the shutout victory.

Arya Tayaranibeegham

A junior player for University who scored the game's first goal in the 38th minute.

Martin Wallwork

The head coach of the University boys soccer team.

Phoenix Ragen

The sophomore goalkeeper for Granite Hills who made five saves in the game.

Jake Rabold

A University player who scored the Trojans' second goal in the 61st minute.

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What they’re saying

“After he did that, it woke us up. Man of the match. Unbelievable. He's been doing that all season.”

— Arya Tayaranibeegham, University junior

“We've conceded one goal in the last eight games. He didn't have a lot to do, but my God, the two he saved, he had no right saving them, but he came up big. In the playoffs and finals, your big players have to step up.”

— Martin Wallwork, University head coach

“After that first goal hit the back of the net, our motivation and confidence sky-rocketed. We stopped playing scared.”

— Arya Tayaranibeegham, University junior

“There's no room for error, especially in a CIF final. I think we played well in the first half, but after we got scored on is where we started letting down.”

— Phoenix Ragen, Granite Hills sophomore goalkeeper

What’s next

The University boys soccer team will look to build on this championship victory and defend their title next season.

The takeaway

University's triumph showcases the program's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, overcoming a higher-seeded opponent to claim the Division 4 crown. The Trojans' defensive discipline and timely scoring proved too much for Granite Hills, demonstrating the team's well-rounded talent and coaching.