Deep threat

Joseph Boo

COSTA MESA - Freedom of choice, whether it be political candidates

or what brand of pickles we eat, is something people tend to take for

granted. Not for Costa Mesa High’s girls soccer Coach Dan Johnston. He’s

thankful for the choices he had when putting his team out on the field.

“This is a much bigger team than last year,” he said. “I can substitute

without any drop-off. I’m not worrying about lowering the talent on the

field when I put a kid in there.”

Costa Mesa has a deeper team from last year. Some key players, like Erin

Van Horn, graduated, but most of the them return.

Among them is junior sweeper Katie Roche, who was an All-Pacific Coast

League player last year.

“She’s our strongest player,” Johnston said. “She’s very savvy.”

Costa Mesa’s defense is further bolstered by Candace Nicholson, who was a

second-team All-PCL player. Juniors Mae Powers and Jamie Schroeder will

also be counted on for their abilities. Sarah Rouquillo and Sandra Sparks

comprise the rest of the defenders in the lineup.

Senior Margaret Landeros returns as the goalie playing behind the

Mustangs’ defense. The versatile Landeros can also play defender.

Backing up Landeros is sophomore Nichelle Janti, another versatile player

who can play up to the midfield. Janti is one of the young multifaceted

players that rejuvenated the Mustangs. Sophomore Lisa Dunn and freshman

Devin Denman can also be found playing defense or midfield.

The younger players are might be pushing for more playing time, but the

upperclassmen still roam the midfield. Seniors Stephanie Landeros and

Michelle Barnett provide athleticism, and junior Sarah Smallcomb is a

strong defensive midfielder. Junior Faride Loera is another midfielder

who can play defender.

The offense features seniors Julie Kroening and Marissa Dinsdale.

Freshman Sharon Day is usually put in for corner kicks and her

explosiveness makes her valuable when a goal is needed. Junior Fernanda

Velazco is another accomplished forward for Costa Mesa.

With 19 capable players, Johnston indeed has a lot of options. And he is

happy with how the Mustangs are responding so far.

“We’re doing things well earlier, compared to last year,” he said. “We

gelled later last year. We’re coming together right now.”

Roster

00 Candace Nicholson Sr.

3 Stephanie Landeros Sr.

5 Sarah Smallcomb Jr.

6 Michelle Barnett Sr.

7 Julie Kroening Sr.

11 Fernanda Velazco Jr.

13 Marissa Dinsdale Sr.

16 Katie Roche Jr.

17 Faride Loera Jr.

18 Margaret Landeros Sr.

24 Nichelle Janti So.

27 Devin Denman Fr.

36 Sandra Sparks Jr.

37 Mae Powers Jr.

39 Jamie Schroeder Jr.

53 Lisa Dunn So.

54 Sharon Day Fr.

55 Sarah Rouquillo So.