Laguna logs first league victory

Laguna Beach High’s girls’ soccer team recorded its first Pacific

Coast League victory by defeating Calvary Chapel, 2-1, in a

hard-fought match played in windy conditions Tuesday at Orange Coast

College.

Laguna, which dropped its Pacific Coast League opener Jan. 6 to

visiting Northwood -- the team Breakers Coach Bill Rolfing dubbed as

the favorite for the league title, is now 1-1 in league play.

Laguna suffered a first half setback when stopper Keara Ross was

injured. The Breakers then fell behind, 1-0, when the Eagles scored

in the 30th minute, following a scramble in front of the Laguna net.

In the second half, however, Laguna rallied, getting a tying goal

from freshman striker Courtney Capobianco.

Capobianco dribbled past a Calvary Chapel sweeper and ended up

delivering a terrific, 20-yard shot just inside the left post.

“My girls came out aggressively in the second half and had several

good offensive runs,” Rolfing said.

In the 79th minute, Emily Rolfing took a through pass from Jessica

Heitel, dribbled pass the Calvary defense and finished off a solid

shot into the goal to give Laguna its first lead.

“Courtney Hamchuk gave a strong performance at sweeper and Avery

Zollener and Jaime Hancock shined in the midfield,” Rolfing said.

The Breakers came into the Calvary Chapel match having suffered a

7-1 loss to Northwood in a league opener.

Rolfing named Anna Hopper as player of the match against

Northwood.

“We dropped the match 7-1, but it was closer than it sounds,”

Rolfing said. “Northwood was coming off a win at San Clemente, the

No. 1-ranked team in CIF Division I, and they were simply too strong

and deep for a young Laguna Beach squad.”

Laguna’s goal was scored by Sasha Speare, who drove a 30-yard shot

over the head of the Northwood goalie.

Laura Yale and Kaylee Rees assisted on the play.

Northwood is ranked 10th in the CIF-Southern Section Division II

poll.

Laguna, which played a Thursday home match against fifth-ranked

Tesoro, returns to Guyer Field Tuesday to host PCL opponent

University at 6;15 p.m.

In boys’ soccer, Laguna’s PCL opener on Jan. 7 against Northwood

was canceled due to the rain storm.

The Breakers played league rival Calvary Chapel Wednesday at

Orange Coast College, and will host Tesoro tonight at 6:15 p.m. at

Guyer Field.

Laguna also will host University Wednesday at 6:15 p.m.

The Breakers were 6-1-1 overall, entering this week’s action.