White With a Brace in Big Home Win Over Southwestern

The Knights earned a big home win on Friday as they bested Southwestern, 3-1, to remain in the hunt for a PCAC championship. Elijah White scored twice and Jamesley Exantus added another as San Diego City improved to 2-2-1 in the conference and 4-5-4 overall.

The first half saw San Diego City take control early with aggressive offensive play. Jamesley Exantus had three good attempts on goal within the opening seven minutes. Despite his early efforts, Exantus' shots were either saved or narrowly missed the target. 

San Diego City's relentless pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Jamesley Exantus finally broke the deadlock. He tapped in a ball sent into the box off a corner kick from Marko Alonso to give San Diego City a 1-0 lead. It was his seventh goal of the season, which leads the team.

The half ended with Southwestern pressing but unable to find the equalizer. Gabriel Enriquez had two dangerous shots saved by City goalkeeper Diego Garcia, ensuring San Diego City held their 1-0 lead going into halftime.

San Diego City wasted no time extending its lead with Elijah White scoring less than a minute into the second half to give the Knights a 2-0 cushion.

Southwestern, however, responded with a goal by Gabriel Enriquez in the 55th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1. 

After a Southwestern foul that set up a free kick from about 25 yards out, Elijah White hit the back of the net once again with a low ball that beat Southwestern's keeper in the 61st minute to restore San Diego City's two-goal lead. After today's brace, White now has six goals on the season.

Southwestern pushed forward in the closing minutes, earning two corner kicks and taking a shot on goal, but Diego Garcia made a crucial save to deny their efforts. He finished the game with four saves.

The Knights will play their third consecutive home match against Mesa on Tuessday at 3 p.m. It's another important match as both teams are currently tied for fourth in the PCAC.