Ontario Christian boys soccer team rallies past Vista del Lago in Division 6 semifinal

Dominik Martinez scores two second-half goals to send Knights to section finals for first time since 2001

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:18am

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The Ontario Christian boys soccer team came from behind to defeat Vista del Lago 2-1 in the CIF Southern Section Division 6 semifinals. Sophomore Dominik Martinez scored a pair of goals in the second half to lead the Knights to victory and send them to the section finals for the first time since 2001.

Why it matters

This win marks a significant milestone for the Ontario Christian soccer program, which is making its first appearance in a section final in 25 years. The team's previous record for wins in a season was 21, set in 2019, so this victory also sets a new single-season record for the Knights.

The details

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Ontario Christian came out strong in the second half, applying pressure and forcing turnovers from Vista del Lago's midfielders and defenders. Martinez scored the equalizer in the 68th minute with a contested header, then netted the game-winner in the 77th minute after a long pass from freshman Dalton Stott. The Knights dominated possession in the air in the second half, using the windy conditions to their advantage.

  • The match was played on a gusty Saturday night.
  • Ontario Christian scored the equalizer in the 68th minute.
  • Ontario Christian scored the game-winning goal in the 77th minute.

The players

Dominik Martinez

A sophomore who scored two goals in the second half to lead Ontario Christian to victory.

Dalton Stott

A freshman who made a long pass that led to the game-winning goal.

Anthony Quintanilla

The head coach of the Ontario Christian boys soccer team.

Tristian Arrieta

The head coach of the Vista del Lago boys soccer team.

Evan Campos

A sophomore who scored the opening goal for Vista del Lago in the 11th minute.

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What they’re saying

“When it's (windy) like this, it's about putting the ball in the right spot. It's best to put it over their heads because we have some guys who can jump.”

— Dominik Martinez, Ontario Christian player

“It's really a testament to the boys. We have some guys with great speed up top, some who are good on the ball and can go, others who can hustle and we have a big, strong center back. They managed to get the ball in the box and typically, when you can do that, good things happen.”

— Anthony Quintanilla, Ontario Christian head coach

“I knew at some point we'd have to absorb the wind and the pressure. That's why I was hoping to go with the wind in the first half and build a lead for the second half.”

— Tristian Arrieta, Vista del Lago head coach

“Yeah, it was a bit of a diving header but I have to thank my teammate for that great cross. His work on the wing is what led to that amazing success.”

— Dominik Martinez, Ontario Christian player

What’s next

Ontario Christian will host Animo Leadership in the Division 6 championship match on Friday night.

The takeaway

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Ontario Christian boys soccer program, which is making its first appearance in a section final in 25 years. The team's resilience and ability to adapt to the windy conditions were key factors in their come-from-behind win.