Monterey-Alisal boys soccer

 Being bumped into the Open Division for boys soccer isn't quite the same as basketball.
 For starters, there is no advancement beyond the Central Coast Section playoffs.
 Yet, if you are Monterey, an invitation to the Open Division - even as a No. 8 seed - signifies that you're one of the top eight teams in the section.
 Of course, the reward is a meeting with top seed and state power Alisal on Saturday under the lights in Salinas.
 "Why not embrace the challenge,'' said four-year starter Jimmy Diego, after Monterey clinched the programs first ever unbeaten league season last Thursday.
 The Trojans and Monterey might not be as far a part as the No. 8 and No 1 seeds suggest.
 A common opponent is San Benito, who gave the Toreadores (14-1-3) their only loss of the season, a 2-0 result.
 Alisal (17-2-1) beat San Benito 2-0 and 2-1 enroute to another Gabilan Division title. It will go into the playoffs 15-0-1 after a 2-2 start.
 During their run, the Trojans have outscored the opposition 32-4, at one point recording 10 straight shutouts behind goalie Eduardo Soto, a streak that stretched over 700 minutes.
 A balanced offense is anchored by David Tapia, who has eight goals, while Manuel Figueroa and Carlos Pacheco have combined for nine.
 The Toreadores have not suffered a loss since falling to San Benito back on Dec. 13. Isaac Lomeli and Louis Sanchez have combined for 18 goals.
 Sanchez, the Pacific Division co Most Valuable Player, has been a distributor as well for Monterey with a team high 13 assists.