Normally, Valencia Vikings boys soccer is content with sitting on a one-goal lead and playing defense.

But it’s a little different when the Vikings are still in the thick of a Foothill League title race.

Valencia took advantage of a one-man advantage due to an early red card and beat the Canyon Cowboys 4-0 on Friday at Valencia High.

“You can’t take your foot off the gas pedal,” said Valencia head coach Tony Scalercio. “Canyon is a team that hasn’t won a game (in league) and we’re a team that hasn’t lost a (league) game.”

The result was one of the most impressive offensive performances all season for the Vikings (14-4-3 overall, 6-0-2 Foothill League), who remain right behind first-place West Ranch in the league standings.

As for Valencia, four different players put the ball in the back of the net on Friday, including Jake Veiga, Jesus Fernandez, Tito Dubon and Zach Klindworth.

Valencia took 20 shots in the game.

Veiga got everything started when he scored on a free kick from just outside of the top of the 18-yard box in the 27th minute.

The free kick was awarded after Canyon’s Rojay Morrison knocked down Klindworth from behind during a one-on-one breakaway. Morrison was red-carded, forcing the Cowboys (6-15-4, 0-7-1) to play with one less player the remainder of the game.

“That was the big momentum-changer right there,” said Canyon head coach Lou Aguilera of the red card. “We were doing alright to that point. When you’re down a man, it’s pretty tough to beat a team like (Valencia).”