Laguna is titletown

Laguna Beach AYSO soccer went into the holiday break on a high after both its boys’ and girls’ Under-12 teams earned Region 86 Area 11-L championships.

Both teams turned in title-winning performances at Chapparosa park in Laguna Niguel Dec. 19.

After the girls’ team sewed up their area crown, the boys’ U-12 team followed suit by defeating Mission Viejo, 3-1, in the division final.

Coach Peter Davidson’s squad, referred to as, the “Sticks,” fell behind early in the final as Mission Viejo slipped a goal past the Sticks’ formidable goalie Brooks Johnson.

But Johnson and his defenders shut out Mission Viejo over the final three quarters.

Laguna claimed the win behind the scoring from a talented front line of Chris Tellez, and left and right forwards Taylor Davidson and Trent Sadler.

Defender Danny Ronson also played a strong game and continually thwarted Mission Viejo’s scoring attempts.

Laguna’s path to the title included wins over Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo and in what was perhaps its toughest game en route to the championship was an overtime win over the second-place boys’ U-12 team from Laguna Beach, Manchester United Junior, which is coached by Marc Pitz.

The Sticks will represent Area 11-L when they travel to northern San Diego County for the Sectional playoffs Feb. 23-24 at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos.