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Associate mug of Kenny Connolly, Anaheim reporter.

Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS /  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

PLACENTIA – Nathan Baranack didn’t even bother watching the ball roll into the back of the net.

There was no need to as the goal itself symbolized something much greater.

Having beaten Salesian’s goalkeeper to win possession atop the 18-yard box in a one-on-one situation, El Dorado’s junior midfielder casually tapped the ball toward an open net, turned and began strutting toward his sideline with a clenched fist raised toward the sky, where he was soon mobbed by his entire squad.

After a scoreless first 40 minutes, El Dorado scored three second-half goals, cashing in on a pair of set pieces in addition to Baranack’s goal in extra time, which allowed the Golden Hawks to celebrate a 3-1 victory over third-seeded Salesian in a CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal on Tuesday afternoon at El Dorado High.

In extending their unbeaten streak to 15 games, the Golden Hawks advanced to the CIF-SS title match on Friday or Saturday at a site to be determined. They will play Citrus Valley of Redlands, which defeated Saddleback on Tuesday.

Salesian finished the season with a 17-6-3 record.

“It was such a relief because they’re the best team we’ve played all year,” El Dorado coach Steven McManus said. “If you would have told me at halftime we’d win 3-1, I’d have said absolutely no chance whatsoever. But we’re an excellent defensive team and we hung in there.”

Salesian dominated in every aspect of the opening half, but all four of its quality scoring opportunities came up empty.

El Dorado goalkeeper Chad Griffin saved six shots in the opening 40 minutes, three of which were rifled from inside the 18, while Mustangs senior midfielder Brian Cruz-Flores pelted the cross bar from 25 yards out on a free kick in the 22nd minute as the teams remained scoreless at half.

Golden Hawks senior midfielder Tyler Coleman broke the tie in the 46th minute when Robert Arroyo knuckled in a free kick from 30 yards out that handcuffed Salesian keeper Mario Ramirez, allowing Coleman to cash in the rebound inside the 6-yard box.

Sophomore Bryce Veronese also scored on an El Dorado set piece in the 67th minute, firing a shot past Ramirez after receiving a cross from Ryan Bethencourt off the Arroyo delivery to go up 2-0.

“We do a lot of work off set plays,” McManus added. “It’s not pretty. It’s not attractive to watch. But high school is about winning, and set plays are crucial.”

Salesian’s lone goal of the match came in the 78th minute on Alejandro Barrera’s penalty kick.