Boys soccer: What a deadlock!

Richard Dunn

COSTA MESA - If ever a scoreless tie could be described as

“fantastic” and “exciting” on both sides of the soccer field, it was

Monday’s season opener between host Newport Harbor High and El Modena.

In a nonleague game featuring 20 shots on goal by Newport Harbor and

11 goalie saves by El Modena’s Buddy Klovstad, it seemed only a matter of

time before something would give.

But, in the end, and at the edge of darkness at Harper Community

Services, Coach Matthew West’s Sailors were denied every scoring

opportunity and settled for the deadlock.

“I think we provided a very exciting game,” said West, beginning his

third season as head coach.

With El Modena junior sweeper Stephen Torres forced to leave the game

after the first half to attend a funeral, it left the Vanguards

vulnerable in the back during the second half.

But El Modena used sweeper-by-committee in a “makeshift” alignment,

according to Vanguards Coach Martin Carrington, and shut out Newport

Harbor, which outshot El Modena in the second half, 12-6.

El Modena, 6-12 last year, was sparked by Klovstad’s final three saves

and a tireless defense.

“Everyone worked really hard, it wasn’t just the goalkeeper,”

Carrington said. “Newport Harbor’s very strong ... it was a fantastic

game. We’re small. We haven’t got the biggest team, but we battle. I

credit Newport Harbor. (It) played very well. It was a fun game played

even.”

The Sailors, 8-8-5 last season, had several goal opportunities turned

away, including three straight breakaways early in the second half when

shots missed to the left and right (twice) on attempts by Riley Maddigan

(two) and Tyler Simmons.

Adam Kerns, Newport Harbor junior forward, had an outstanding chance

to score in the final minute, after working his way through three El

Modena defenders on a breakaway, only to see his shot attempt blocked by

Klovstad.

“Adam Kerns and Riley Maddigan are just explosive and dangerous,” West

said of his forwards.

In the 78th minute, Newport Harbor goalie Jesse Forsythe, a freshman

filling in for Duke Burchell (still playing football), saved a penalty

shot by El Mo’s Marcos Chavez.

Newport Harbor took five shots within a seven-minute span in the

second half, all of which kept fans on the edge of their seats.

On one series, Harbor’s Kevin Campos received a pass from Kerns, who

picked it up from Jeremy Bruce. But Campos’ shot was stopped by Klovstad,

his first save of the second half.

Two minutes later, in the 65th minute, Campos fired a rocket, only to

be turned away by the Vanguard goalie.

Marcos Cambreros, Campos and Bruce attempted shots from all angles

into the 71st minute, but came up short each time.

“Kevin Campos was extremely dangerous every time he touched the ball,”

West said. “Juan Gonzales was our anchor in the back. He kept the defense

solidified.

“We put ourselves in great opportunities. But this is just the way the

ball bounces. We didn’t (score) today, but we’re learning the system and

learning about each other. It’s the beginning of good things here.”

In the first half, Newport Harbor outshot the Vanguards, 8-3, with

Klovstad stopping all but one in front of the net.

“This is really our dress rehearsal,” West said. “We’re still

introducing the guys. But we were able to get forward today and attack

(offensively).”

Campos and Gonzales were second-team All-Sea View League selections

last season for the Tars.