Piner Boys Soccer Reaches First Semifinal Game Since 2004

Third-seeded Prospectors defeat league rival Santa Rosa 4-3 to advance in North Coast Section playoffs

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Piner High School's boys soccer team defeated Santa Rosa 4-3 in the North Coast Section quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2004. The Prospectors, seeded third, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and held off a late Santa Rosa comeback attempt. Piner will now face No. 2 seed Branson in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Piner's win over crosstown rival Santa Rosa marks the first time the Prospectors have beaten the Panthers in three matchups this season. The victory also ends Piner's 23-year drought without reaching the NCS semifinals, a significant milestone for the program.

The details

Piner scored the first three goals of the match, with senior Kevin Medina, junior Micah Santoyo (who scored twice), and senior Jason Elias all finding the back of the net. Santa Rosa cut the deficit to 3-2 with an own goal and a late strike from senior Luis Espinosa Morales, but Piner held on for the 4-3 win. Piner head coach Sean Sutherland praised his team's ability to capitalize on set pieces, which led to three of their four goals.

  • Piner scored the opening goal 11 minutes into the match.
  • Santoyo scored Piner's second goal in the 21st minute.
  • Elias scored Piner's fourth goal in the 58th minute.

The players

Sean Sutherland

Piner High School's head boys soccer coach, who predicted in November that his team would reach the semifinals.

Kevin Medina

Piner senior who scored the opening goal 11 minutes into the match.

Micah Santoyo

Piner junior who scored two goals, including one on a free kick that deflected off a defender.

Jason Elias

Piner senior who scored the team's fourth goal by pressuring the Santa Rosa goalkeeper.

Daniel Garcia

Santa Rosa head coach who noted his team's struggles defending set pieces.

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What they’re saying

“When we tied 3-3 against Santa Rosa, I told the boys I hope I see them in the playoffs and they all agreed.”

— Sean Sutherland, Piner High School head boys soccer coach (pressdemocrat.com)

“I saw the opportunity pressuring the keeper. As soon as I saw he was going to kick it out I got ready to intercept it. I just took my chance to score.”

— Jason Elias, Piner senior (pressdemocrat.com)

“We've given up a lot of set pieces and they've scored on us because of that.”

— Daniel Garcia, Santa Rosa head coach (pressdemocrat.com)

What’s next

Piner will next travel to play No. 2 seed Branson at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at College of Marin.

The takeaway

Piner's victory over crosstown rival Santa Rosa marks a significant milestone for the program, as the Prospectors reach the NCS semifinals for the first time in 23 years. The team's ability to capitalize on set pieces and pressure the opposition proved crucial in securing the win.