GALT, CA (MPG) - In front of a capacity crowd at home, league champions Real Galt FC saw their championship dreams slip away Sunday night when they fell 3-2 in overtime to San Juan FC in a physical, injury-plagued semifinal playoff match.

The stands were packed with enthusiastic supporters as the hometown heroes, who finished the regular season with an impressive 6-2-3 record to claim the league title, took the field with championship aspirations. Local vendors Aroma Bakery and Papas & Wings kept the festive crowd fed and hydrated throughout the emotional contest.

Real Galt FC dominated the first half, building a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Cesar Rocha netted one of the goals, electrifying the home supporters. 

However, the commanding performance came at a cost, as starters Ali Radmand and Gilberto Lopez were forced to exit with injuries before the break.

In a testament to the physical nature of the match, defender Hector Serrato sustained a cut above his eye during an aerial challenge but continued playing with a bandage stemming the blood flow.

“It was a tough loss. We put ourselves in a spot where the game was still in reach for them in the second half, and they capitalized on their chances,” said Head Coach Garret Arechiga. “Hats off to a very good San Juan team.”

The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime as San Juan returned with renewed organization and determination. They quickly pulled one goal back, putting pressure on the injury-depleted Real Galt side.

The visitors then converted a crucial penalty kick to level the score at 2-2 as regulation time expired.

In the first half of overtime, San Juan completed its comeback, breaking through Real Galt’s defense to score what proved to be the winning goal. Despite frantic efforts to equalize and force penalty kicks, Real Galt couldn’t find the back of the net in the remaining minutes.

“The season was like a roller coaster, with many ups and downs,” reflected Assistant Coach Eric Santoyo. “Being a team that didn’t qualify for playoffs last season to being league champs and qualifying for playoffs this season: We achieved one of our two goals and will continue to work on achieving both in the same season.”

The semifinal defeat marks a bittersweet end to what has otherwise been a remarkable campaign for Real Galt FC. Founded in 2013 with local high school student-athletes from both Galt High School and Liberty Ranch High School, the club has evolved from recreational Sunday matches to a serious competitive program in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

Over its nine-year history, Real Galt FC has filled an impressive trophy cabinet, including five league titles (three in Lodi and two in Sacramento) and the 2022 California Soccer Association North State Cup.

Santoyo highlighted several standout performers from this season’s campaign, including 17-year-old Jaden Campos, Michael Villasenor, Angel Lopez and Mo Aldulami.

“I know that with the young group of guys that we have on our roster, we will continue to do great things for this team and community,” Santoyo added.

Despite the disappointing conclusion, Coach Arechiga remained proud of his squad’s accomplishments. 

“Definitely not the way we wanted to end the season, but overall, I am very proud of the guys.”

The club expressed gratitude to their sponsors who made the season possible: Ward Engineering, Tellez Elite Electrical Services, Max Muscle, Galt Smog, Papas & Wings, Mosqueda Trucking, Performance Trucking School, Jimboys Tacos, National Fire Systems Inc., Sanborn Chevy Lodi and Aroma Bakery.

As the dust settles on this campaign, Real Galt FC’s focus will undoubtedly shift to next season, when they’ll aim to defend their league title and take that final step toward playoff glory.