Mira Costa boys, girls seeking Bay League soccer championships
Mira Costa’s Olivia Tuffli, right, gets a let up on Redondo’s Sophie Crouts during the Mustang’s 3-2 victory. Photo
By Randy Angel
Entering the final week of the regular season, Mira Costa’s boys and soccer teams look ready to claim Bay League titles but it won’t come easy.
Mira Costa’s girls squad has an impressive 16-3-1 record after a 3-2 victory over Palos Verdes on Tuesday. The Mustangs will face Leuzinger and Centennial before traveling to take on rival Redondo in the season finale at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Mira Costa recorded an overtime win against Palos Verdes when Kayla Brunick scored the winning goal less than 30 seconds into overtime.
After Palos Verdes (14-6-2) toof a lead in the first half on Katie Geseck’s goal, Mira Costa evened things up with a Sierra Sargent goal before Geseck put the Sea Kings ahead again at 2-1.
However, with about 11 minutes left in regulation, Sargent scored again to even the contest.
If Mira Costa can defeat Leuzinger and Centennial, it will secure the Bay League title for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs held on for a 3-2 victory in their first showdown with the Sea Hawks. A scoreless tie between Redondo (17-3-2) and Palos Verdes opened the door for Mira Costa.
“We had many quality of chances but we seemed to be getting more frustrated as the game went,” Redondo coach Shelly Marsden said. “We look for Saige Stock, Carolyn Koutures and Sophie Crouts to score and a solid defense made of our goalkeeper McKenna Morey along with Gabi De la Cruz, Elle Marine, Shayna Stock and Jadyn Bell to keep us in the game. We have a strong middle in Celine Gehrig, Tanner Cahalan and Ava Stock who are all varsity returners who played big minutes last year.”
“I would say that Mira Costa is the team to beat,” Marsden added. “They are extremely talented, fast, and play a good style of soccer. They are undefeated although we beat them in penalty kicks in the quarterfinals of the South Torrance Tournament.”
Redondo plays at Leuzinger Wednesday, followed by a home game against Palos Verdes on Friday, then an away game at Peninsula on Monday before taking on Mira Costa.
Gaudiano leads Costa boys
Coach Gary Smith’s Mira Costa boys soccer team improved it record to 15-0-3 record after beating Palos Verdes 1-0 in overtime on Tuesday.
Josh Gaudiano scored on an assist from Malcolm Kluth to capture the victory. The goal was the 23rd of the season for Gaudiano who leads the team in scoring.
The Mustangs shutout Peninsula 2-0 on Friday with Drew Rohn and Zachary Cochran scored first-half goals in the win.
Following a Friday game at Leuzinger and a Monday game against Centennial, Mira Costa will play at Redondo at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to finish the regular season.
“I truly believe that we are the team to beat. So far we have proven that,” Smith said. “We have moved up to number 3 in the top 10 rankings in CIF Division 1. However, it will surely be a four team race with us, Palos Verdes, Redondo and Peninsula.”
Redondo (16-6-2) is coming off a pair of shutouts outs against Leuzinger 4-0 and Centennial 13-0 and will travel to take on Palos Verdes on Friday. Following a home game against Peninsula on Monday, the Sea Hawks host rival Mira Costa.