Newport Harbor boys' soccer storms back over Downey, into CIF title match

The Sailors rallied with two late goals for a dramatic 2-1 win, advancing to their second CIF championship in three years.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Newport Harbor High boys' soccer team staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two goals in the final five minutes to defeat top-seeded Downey 2-1 in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 semifinals on Saturday night. Seniors Ali Omar and Brandon Markert found the net late to lift the Sailors into their second CIF title match in three years, where they will face Bishop Amat next Saturday.

Why it matters

Newport Harbor's comeback victory showcases the team's resilience and highlights the program's recent success, having now reached the CIF championship match in two of the last three seasons. The win also continues the Sailors' strong season, as they look to capture their first CIF title since 2024.

The details

Downey took a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute on a goal by senior forward Diego Garita, but Newport Harbor responded with a pair of late goals. Omar converted a penalty kick in stoppage time to tie the game, and Markert scored the winner just three minutes later off a headed pass from Landon Baker. The Sailors were able to rally despite being outplayed for much of the match, according to head coach Ignacio 'Nacho' Cid.

  • The match was played on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • Newport Harbor will face Bishop Amat in the CIF Division 2 title match on Saturday, March 1, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Long Beach.

The players

Ali Omar

A senior at Newport Harbor High School who scored the tying goal on a penalty kick in the final minutes of the semifinal match against Downey.

Brandon Markert

A senior at Newport Harbor High School who scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes to lift the Sailors to victory over Downey.

Ignacio 'Nacho' Cid

The eighth-year head coach of the Newport Harbor boys' soccer team, who has helped build the program into a consistent contender.

Diego Garita

A senior forward for Downey High School who scored the opening goal to give his team the lead in the 60th minute.

Isaiah Villagrana

The goalkeeper for Downey High School who made several saves but was unable to stop Newport Harbor's late comeback.

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What they’re saying

“This atmosphere was great. We're just glad everyone from the community came through. It was a great game, and hopefully we can bring it home on Saturday.”

— Ali Omar (latimes.com)

“I'm just glad I did it for my team and we're on to the final. I put power on it and tried to put some placement, and I'm just glad it went in.”

— Ali Omar (latimes.com)

“I think the biggest similarity is just our hard work. You know, that's what the program instills in us from day one.”

— Brandon Markert (latimes.com)

“For 78 minutes, I would say they played us out of the park. I tip my hat. That team was very well organized, great individual players. That's [soccer]. You do everything right, a little thing happens … and it just turns everything around. I'm super-happy for the boys, but you have to tip your hat to that team.”

— Ignacio 'Nacho' Cid, Newport Harbor Head Coach (latimes.com)

“They really like the culture. This group is continuing that, right, that way of anchor football.”

— Ignacio 'Nacho' Cid, Newport Harbor Head Coach (latimes.com)

What’s next

Newport Harbor will face Bishop Amat in the CIF Division 2 title match on Saturday, March 1, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Long Beach.

The takeaway

Newport Harbor's dramatic comeback victory showcases the resilience and winning culture that head coach Ignacio 'Nacho' Cid has instilled in the program. The Sailors' ability to rally late and secure a spot in the CIF championship match for the second time in three years is a testament to the team's hard work and the community's support.