Although the game is only the first of two Bay League meetings between Mira Costa and Redondo boys soccer teams, Tuesday’s 6 p.m. contest at Redondo could have playoff implications.
Redondo defeated Morningside 9-2 last Friday to improve its overall record to 8-5-1, keeping pace with Palos Verdes and Peninsula. All three teams entered the week with 2-0 league records.
Redondo defeated Peninsula 4-1 on Tuesday behind Branden Cohen’s hat trick. The Sea Hawks will travel to Palos Verdes for a 3 p.m. game on Friday in contests that will help separate the pack.
The Sea Hawks have played four ranked teams in their non-league schedule defeating Animo Leadership (No. 5, Div. 5) and Santa Barbara (No. 10, Div. 1) and losing to Cabrillo (No. 2, Div. 2) and Palos Verdes (No. 6, Div. 1).
“I think that the team’s performance has been very good but I also feel that we can step up to the next level,” Redondo head coach Nacho Lopez said. “We just have to stay healthy and free from injuries.”
Lopez feels Redondo’s best performance so far came in the South Tournament with a 21-0 victory over Santa Barbara in the semifinals.
“In the championship game against PV we controlled the rhythm of the game but just couldn’t finish the play.”
The Sea Hawks are led by seniors Adam King and Ryan Wadhams but also has a strong sophomore class that includes Logan Druten, Ricardo Estrada, Alvin Perez, Damian Sanchez and Adam Yorke.
Returning senior Azuma Sugahara and junior Mario Peralta play key roles for Redondo who will look to avenge last season’s two losses to Mira Costa
“To be able to defeat Mira Costa it will take a high level of concentration,” Lopez said. “We’ll need to control the game, capitalize on the opportunities that we create and minimize mistakes on defense.”
Mira Costa head coach Gary Smith hopes this week’s games against Inglewood and Morningside will help get his squad back on track before its game at Redondo.
Mira Costa entered week with an overall record of 7-4-1, losing four of its previous six games beginning with a 1-0 loss to Santa Barbara (No. 10, Div. 1) in the South Holiday Tournament. Following a win against South, the Mustangs fell to West then defeated Santa Monica before suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss at Palos Verdes in the Bay League opener for both teams.
The slide continued when visiting Peninsula beat Mira Costa 3-1 last Friday but the Mustangs regrouped to defeat Inglewood 4-0 on Tuesday. Jason Schwartz had one goal and two assists. Trevor Taub recorded one goal and one assist and Kevin Vartan, Raphael Diogo each scored one goal in the win.
“We’ve had a tough start to Bay League with the overtime loss at Palos Verdes and home loss to Peninsula,” Smith said. “The plan this week is to balance things out and regain our confidence for the rivalry game next week. We had a good pre-season with several very good performances and the players know we have a strong team. The key to our success is to make sure our top players are healthy and available.”
Mira Costa is a senior-laden team led by captains Justin Fairchild (goalkeeper) and Sean Fabian (defender). The Mustangs have also had strong performances by defenders Anand Sarathy and Adam Bedingfield, midfielders Brendan Fisher, Adrian Caldevilla and Jason Schwartz, along with forwards Kevin Vartan and Spencer Hammond.
Following its game at Redondo, Mira Costa will have the opportunity to avenge its loss to two-time defending champion Palos Verdes when the Mustangs host the Sea Kings Friday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m.
Mira Costa was one minute away from defeating Palos Verdes when Masaki Kishimoto tied the game in the 79th minute and Greg Natt scored the game-winner in overtime.
