Boys soccer: Look out for the Sea Kings

Steve Virgen

CORONA DEL MAR - Winless in the Pacific Coast League last year and

recording just two victories over the entire season. That doesn’t matter,

not for second-year coach Pat Callaghan and his Corona del Mar High boys

soccer team.

You think Costa Mesa and Northwood are the favorites to win the PCL

title? Think again.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to win league, I think we have that

capability,” Callaghan said. “This is a much different team. We are as

strong as anybody.

“There have been definite improvements,” he added. “It is a tighter

knit group, more disciplined. What happened this year is we lost some

senior leadership, but we had a young team last year that has matured.”

Senior sweeper Andy Almquist, a first-team All-PCL player and the

team’s Most Valuable Player last year, leads the defense. The team

captain is referred to as CdM’s best player, Callaghan said.

The Sea Kings’ midfield is young as Julien Cerutti heads a speedy

sophomore trio, which also includes Chris Ringstrom and Jeritt Thayer.

Junior Brandon Zarian, a second-team all-league performer last year,

will be a key on defense for the Sea Kings, who have posted a 2-2 record

thus far.

“They all are playing well,” Callaghan said. “It’s early, but I’m

expecting for us to do very well this year.”

CdM also features three forwards, who figure to be unpredictable for

opponents. Seniors Shogo Fujii and Aldo Bautista and sophomore Danny

Whitaker are “dangerous,” because they can score in so many ways,

Callaghan said.

Junior Blake Dillion, another team captain, who also ran for the Sea

Kings’ cross country team, provides a strong work ethic and leadership

for the young squad.

If anything, CdM aims to give Back Bay rival Newport Harbor a better

game this year when the two teams meet Jan. 5 at 3 p.m.

“I’m excited to play them this year,” Callaghan said. “I thought last

year was disappointing. Our guys will be focused and ready to play this

year. Our guys will be fired up.”

CORONA DEL MAR HIGH BOYS SOCCER

Danny Whitaker So.

Andy Almquist Sr.

Tristan Harris Jr.

Shogo Fujii Sr.

Aldo Bautista Sr.

Blake Dillion Jr.

Chris Ringstrom So.

Phil Stemler Jr.

Brandon Zarian Jr.

Matt Gugliuzza Sr.

Julien Cerutti So.

Jeritt Thayer So.

Bill Story Sr.

Geoff Leech Sr.

Brett Luchesi Sr.

Shane Collins Fr.

Geoff Collier Sr.

Coach: Pat Callaghan