The three contenders for this year’s league championship in boys soccer all took care of business on Wednesday to keep their title hopes on track.

League leaders Arcata defeated South Fork 13-0, while second placed Fortuna remains just two points back in the standings after a 15-0 win over St. Bernard’s.

Third-placed Del Norte, which is just three points behind the leaders, welcomed McKinleyville to Crescent City and prevailed 5-2.

The Warriors took control of the game with a dominating first-half performance and led 4-0 at the break.

“It was a commanding performance by the boys, especially in the first half,” Del Norte head coach David Sanyaolu said. “We passed the ball very well, quickly and progressively. We played with width and made incisive crosses into the opposition box.”

Giovanni Lopez scored the opening two goals of the game to help set the early tone, with Sebastian Espinoza and Danny Gomez assisting.

Espinoza was provider once again on the third goal, setting up Giovanni Alvarado, who made it 3-0.

Alexis Ortiz then all but ended the game as a contest with a fourth goal before halftime, netting on a free kick.

The final Del Norte goal came on a header by Dale Ramirez off a Gomez corner kick that put the home team up 5-0.

The team defense also stepped up, providing the foundation for the first-half onslaught.

“We were very solid in defense and midfield, save for a couple of lapses in concentration mid second half,” Sanyaolu said. “As always, I am proud of my boys for an excellent performance.”

The always dangerous Becker Rine scored both of McKinleyville’s goals, with Lucas Jones assisting on one of them.

However, it was a disappointing outing for a young McKinleyville team, with all five of Del Norte’s goals coming off set plays.

Head coach Brady Burtchett said that was a little frustrating.

“We had some mental errors,” he said. “We played much better in the second half, but we’ve got to play smarter. We’ve got to put a full game together.”

Rine was a bright spot for the visitors, while the team defense played well at times, but just lacked the necessary focus during the set plays.

League play continues on Saturday. 

Arcata heads to Eureka for a game that will be played behind closed doors, McKinleyville plays at Fortuna and St. Bernard’s travels to South Fork.