SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : DIVISION I BOYS’ SOCCER : Penalty Kick Gives Fountain Valley Victory Over Simi Valley

There isn’t a cheaper way to win a playoff game than on a penalty kick in overtime--especially when neither coach sees the foul.

But Fountain Valley’s Joey Vasquez didn’t care about the particulars. He was just happy his team won, 2-1 in overtime, Thursday, penalty kicks or no penalty kicks.

“I’ll take it,” said a drained Vasquez, who was hobbled with a sore leg the entire game. “A win’s a win. I’ve never been to the playoffs before, so this is great.”

Top-seeded Fountain Valley (21-1-2), which won only five games last season, finds itself in the Southern Section Division I semifinals Tuesday against Capistrano Valley. But visiting Simi Valley might have been the team advancing had referee Tom Mallen not awarded Fountain Valley a penalty kick late in the second 10-minute overtime.

Mallen made his call only minutes after awarding Fountain Valley a free kick five yards in front of the goal. Both of Mallen’s calls involved fouls on Vasquez by Simi Valley’s Andrew Trujillo.

“It was a push in the back by (Trujillo),” Mallen said. “If I didn’t call it, I’m not being fair to both teams.”

Fountain Valley’s Joey Bove easily booted the penalty kick past Simi Valley keeper Stuart MacLean.

Said Vasquez: “He was holding on to me both times. Compared to all the other calls, I’d have to say, yes, he should have called (the foul.)”

Simi Valley Coach Kenny Dale said he didn’t see the foul.

“I’m not going to comment on the referees,” Dale said. “He’s got to go to sleep tonight. It’s his decision. If he can live with it, then I can.”

Fountain Valley also scored its first goal on a penalty kick by Bove after Vasquez was taken down by two Simi Valley defenders 28 minutes into the game. Forward Anthony Chiodo scored for Simi Valley 22 minutes into the game on a left-footed kick from 18 yards.

With Simi Valley parents and players surrounding him, Mallen was escorted off the field by Fountain Valley administrators.

“I’m proud that there were no incidents after the game,” Dale said. “Kids have to learn how to lose more than they have to learn how to win at this age, and I’m pleased with the way they handled the loss.”

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In other Division I games:

Capistrano Valley 1, Fontana 1 (Capistrano Valley wins on penalty kicks 3-2)--Ryan Hawkins scored the final penalty kick in the shootout giving the Cougars (17-3-5) the victory. Todd Wiedner tied the score at one in regulation off an assist from Steve Braud. Sophomores Ricky Parker and Eric Johnson each scored a penalty kick in the shootout. Capistrano Valley will play Fountain Valley on Tuesday in the semifinals. The site will be determined by a coin flip. Fontana finishes 14-6-4.

Simi Valley Royal 1, Edison 0--Jesse Garner scored midway through overtime to lead Simi Valley Royal. Goalie Ty Russell had 18 saves in the game.

The Highlanders were held to three shots on goal before Garner’s score.