In his first start of the season, goal keeper Ryan Shelly ’15 led the boys’ soccer team to a shutout victory over Dana Hills tonight in the first round of CIF playoffs behind goals from Matt Bailey ’13, Beau McGinley ’13 and Milano Sanchez-Johnson ’14. The 3-0 victory earned the Wolverines a trip the second round on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Shelly, who started as the junior varsity goalie in the regular season, was called up to the varsity squad for playoffs and got the nod from Head Coach Lucas Bongarra with original starters Jack Wildasin ’13 and Sam Clement ’14 both out with injuries.

Bailey headed in his goal off a corner kick from Ty Gilhuly ’13 in the first half. Later in the half, McGinley knocked in the rebound from a drive by Gilhuly. Sanchez-Johnson secured the win when he put in the rebound on a shot from McGinley late in the second half.

“It feels good,” Bongarra said. “I think we came out a little bit nervous, but I think as the game went on we relaxed and started to find a bit more space.”

Bongarra says that the team will hit San Clemente in its second round matchup, but was not sure whether his team would have to travel or host the Tritons as home field advantage will be determined by a coin toss. San Clemente defeated Leuzinger tonight 4-0 to advance to the second round.

“It’s good to win the first round and we’re happy to move on,” he said.  “We take the weekend off to recover, and Monday we need to plan for this game.”