EL CAJON — It’s been nearly a decade since the last time the Lincoln High School boys soccer program lifted a CIF title above their heads.

But after 80 minutes of regulation, a 15-minute golden goal period, and 10 rounds of penalty kicks, the Hornets, anchored by a Herculean PK effort in goal by Dillan Diaz, outlasted Bayfront Charter 1-1 (7-6 in PKs) to claim the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 title at Grossmont High School.

“This is a legendary moment, and I couldn’t be happier or prouder of this team and this coaching staff,” said Lincoln coach Elizabeth Munoz.

Thursday night’s championship match remained scoreless until the 38th minute.

That’s when Lincoln’s Diego Ramirez turned his run inside and fired a shot on goal.

Following his own initial shot, and with Sepulveda now off his line, Ramirez headed the second chance

opportunity into the back of the net, giving the Hornets a 1-0 lead heading into the half.

“When I have chances or opportunities, I am going to take shots,” said Ramirez, “The ball was up in the sky, and I just took a shot. Then I came down and realized the rebound was just right there, so I took it.”

Bayfront quickly responded to Ramirez’s opening goal in the early moments of the second half.

In the 49th minute, on what was already the Sharks’ sixth corner kick of the evening, freshman Antonio Hernandez drew things level. Burying an unmarked header into the bottom left corner and tying the game.

Both Lincoln and Bayfront had opportunities to end things in regulation. In the 73rd minute, Lincoln was awarded a penalty kick after Ramirez was pulled down in the box. However, Omar Guizar’s PK shot was thwarted by Sepulveda.

In stoppage time, it appeared Bayfront’s Javier Ruelas headed home the game-winner, only for the goal to be waved off on an offside call.

After a scoreless 15-minute golden goal period, penalty kicks were needed to finish the marathon title match.

There, it became a battle of goalkeepers.

Bayfront’s Sepulveda was excellent, making three saves in the shootout. Fortunately for Lincoln, though, Dillan Diaz’s was a touch better.

The Hornets called Diaz’s number for PKs. He eventually turned in four saves, including a game-winning diving save to his right to clinch the D5 title.

“In the moment, I was just trying to see what foot he would use, and go from there,” said Diaz, “When I blocked it, I just felt happiness.”