Exantus' Brace Lifts City in Win Over State Champs

San Diego City opened the PCAC season with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over last year's state champion Cuyamaca with sophomore Jamesley Exantus scoring City's two goals, including the game-winner in the 78th minute.

Cuyamaca (6-1-1) came into the conference opener as the No. 6 team in the state and without a loss, while the Knights (5-1-3) arrived for their first home game of the season on a 7-game unbeaten streak. City's only loss of the year came at the hands of Arizona Western, a non-3C2A school.

Friday's game started out in nightmare-fashion for the Knights as their opening kick worked its way backwards into their own box. City defender Edwin Morfin Jr. turned the ball over and Cuyamaca forward Diego Esquivel capitalized by gaining control and passing it off to teammate Victor Renteria who beat goalkeeper Diego Garcia with a strike from 17 yards just 16 seconds in.

Cuyamaca controlled possession for much of the first half with the Knights looking frustrated and unable to get anything going offensively. 

But things turned around for them midway through the half when Kevin Gonzalez launched a ball from midfield to the left side where Exantus made a run. He took a touch to beat a defender and then chipped it over the goalkeeper towards the far post for the game-tying goal, Exantus' third of the season.

Possession was more even from that point on with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but neither able to get anything on target until the 78th minute when Exantus came through once again. 

After Cuyamaca's Renteria shot hit the crossbar, defender Cristopher Sandoval took the ball and sent a long ball down the right side where Exantus was waiting.

With two defenders in front of him and a third trailing, Exantus dribbled into the box and created some room by going around the first defender. He then poked the ball towards the frame with his left foot and it trickled in past the goal line after Cuyamaca's goalkeeper couldn't secure it for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

Cuyamaca tried desperately to find an equalizer, but City's defense held strong and did not allow another shot on target. 

Once the final whistle blew, the Knights' bench sprinted on to the field to celebrate the big win that extended their unbeaten streak to eight. 

The Knights will be home again on Tuesday against Mesa (1-4-2) at 1 p.m.