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Fusion improves playoff prospects with 2-0 victory
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STORY TOOLS 
More from SoccerThe cream, said Alfonso Motagalvan, rises to the top.
Hence, at the three-quarter pole of the Premier Development League season, the Ventura County Fusion men's soccer team finds itself in playoff position for the first time.
Motagalvan, the Fusion captain, gave the Fusion an early lead and defender-turned-striker Lee Stevens also found the net as the Fusion breezed by the Southern California Seahorses, 2-0, Saturday night at La Mirada High.
The Fusion is 6-1-1 since going winless in its first four matches.
"We knew we had it in us," said Motagalvan. "We gave away those first four games. We knew we were better than that. It was just a matter of us coming together.
The Fusion (6-3-3) moved into a second-place tie with the Los Angeles Legends with four matches to play. The top two teams in the Southwest Division advance to the playoffs.
The Fusion finished in fourth place, two points off the pace, last season.
"Right now, it's crunch time and the boys are digging in," said Motagalvan.
Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez assisted both Fusion goals, setting up Motagalvan off a set piece in the fourth minute and finding Stevens with a cross in the 60th minute.
"He's a great player, technically and tactically," said Motagalvan of the former Chivas USA player. "Since he's played at the next level, he knows what it means to show up every game and play. He brings a lot to the team.
"He's our engine right now. Everything we do runs through him."
After struggling to a 1-1 draw with ninth-place Lancaster on June 28, the Fusion wanted to jump ahead Saturday.
It grabbed the advantage when Motagalvan one-timed Lopez's free kick at the top of the penalty area.
"The most important thing was we got the lead early," said Motagalvan."
The Fusion were without goalkeeper Logan Frank (concussion), but Bryan Hill kept the team's sixth shutout of the season.
The Fusion travels to Lancaster on Friday before hosting its final home match of the season Sunday at Buena High.
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