Garfield loses to Branson in Division V state boys’ soccer final

SACRAMENTO — With more than 100 fans filling the stands, Garfield High boys soccer put together a strong performance in the first CIF Division V state championship game Saturday morning before falling 2-0 to Ross Branson at Natomas High.

Two miscommunications on defense proved costly for the Bulldogs, who took a bus from East Los Angeles on Friday, spent the night and were expected to return after the game.

Coach Pablo Serrano congratulated his team. “I felt we played outstanding,” he said.

Goalkeeper Javier Zarate put in another impressive performance. “He can’t do much,” Serrano said.

Zarate, without any prodding, turned to CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti and thanked him for what will become an annual state football championship event.

University of Irvine won the Division IV men’s title on Friday with a 3-2 victory over Del Mar.

Cole Barkett, Jake Raboid and Brendan Leung scored goals.