SOCCER: UNDEFEATED EAGLES ARE SOARING ON THE FIELD.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

Following the trend set by the football team, Lancaster High is succeeding in a big way on the soccer field as well.

The varsity boys are 6-0-1 after handling Saugus 5-1 Wednesday night. They have outscored opponents 29-6 and have three shutouts.

Senior Eric Sundberg, better known for his baseball ability, leads the Eagles with nine goals, while football convert Billy Wright has four in three games. Ryan Bretz also has four. Goalies Miguel Lopez, a junior, and David Stockdale, a senior, have alternated with equal success.

The wins are sweet because fourth-year Lancaster, featuring seniors for the first time, is finally on a level playing field. With no seniors last year, the Eagles finished 9-12-2 (4-4-2 in Golden League) and were defeated 4-1 by Anaheim Servite in the first round of the playoffs.

``We're bigger, we're stronger, we're faster and we're smarter,'' second-year coach John Cox said. ``Having seniors is making a great big difference. We are a whole lot better than last year.''

Cox said the nucleus of his team participated in club soccer. Experienced players at key positions have elevated the Eagles on par with league foes Highland, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Littlerock, and Antelope Valley.

``Playing soccer all year has brought the kids' talent to the forefront,'' Cox said.

Cox said Lancaster's success is a combination of accurate shooting and good defense. Seniors Lorenzo Escanero, Nathan Martinez and Danny Dopler are the top defenders.

``Everyone on the team is just working together better,'' Bretz said. ``This is our fourth year together, and a lot of people on this team have been willing to sacrifice.''

Sundberg has improved as much as anyone.

``Eric is dominating. He knows how to play his position and he takes advantage of his opportunities,'' Bretz said.

Bretz also called Wright ``a great player.''

Wright has emerged after missing the first four games for personal reasons, said Cox. He arrived just in time to help Lancaster win its own tournament two weekends ago.

``This year I think we all just want it more,'' returning halfback Peter Arciga said. ``We're all been trying to help each other.

``Eric Sundberg is a senior now, and he wants it more - he's doing excellent and is an outstanding player because he's hustling to the ball and scoring a lot more than last year.''

Lancaster participates in the Royal tournament this weekend. The field features traditional San Fernando Valley powers Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Camarillo, and Burroughs. Doing well figures to be a good gauge for Lancaster's upcoming conference schedule.