Instant analysis
Foothill's semifinal victory against Santa Barbara

Why the Knights won:Balance on offense. When supporting cast members such as Jeff Diller and Conor Golden are scoring huge goals, you're in trouble against the Knights. Six different players scored for Foothill.

Who stepped up:Brenden Verloop. The center drew an exclusion that led to the Knights' first goal and drew another that led to Golden's critical goal with 1:30 left in the fourth. Against a tough defense like Santa Barbara, the Knights needed chances on extra.

Key sequence:The Knights didn't score until there was 1:26 left in the first half. Clayton McFadden broke the drought with a man-advantage strike off a pass by Paul Reynolds. Before intermission, McFadden scored again and Reynolds also found the net and the Knights led 3-1. "We just needed to hit that first shot," Foothill coach Jim Brumm said.

Fun fact:Foothill reached its first final since 2004, J.W. Krumpholz's junior season. The Knights lost to LB Wilson, 13-11.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com