Pacific Soccer Club wins tourney
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The Corona del Mar-based Pacific Soccer Club girls under-12 team won
the gold medal Sunday by capturing first place at the South Coast
Invitational soccer tournament in Huntington Beach.
The club was led by a strong defensive unit, that allowed just
three goals in four games. The defense was led by Brynn Johnson,
Brooke Nelson and Azadeh Nazemi.
Pacific opened the tournament with a 1-0 victory against Santa
Anita Soccer Club. Melissa Hancock scored the lone goal off an assist
from Maiquel McLeish.
In its second game, Pacific blanked the Riverside Fury 3-0,
launching 13 shots on goal. Alexandra Reinach scored on two of those
shots and McLeish added a goal in the victory.
“This team is very difficult to defend because virtually every
player is a real scoring threat,” Pacific Coach George Eadington
said.
In its first game Sunday, Pacific encountered a physical matchup
against the San Bernardino Blast. But Pacific’s midfielders Paige
Sigband, Claire Eadington, Amanda Johnson and Sarah Keddington
managed to control the realm of play.
After a scoreless first half, the Blast was awarded a penalty kick
late in the second half. But Pacific goalie Corey Cano made a diving
stop of the low kick to keep the game scoreless.
“That was an all-world save by Corey,” Eadington said.
San Bernardino came back with a late-goal, but Pacific came back
to equalize with seconds remaining. Jackie Dion and Hancock shredded
the San Bernardino defense, then found Reinach who scored the tying
goal with a laser shot from outside the penalty area.
Pacific closed out the tournament with a 2-2 tie against Whittier
Soccer Club, clinching the championship. Natalie Argueta and McLeish
each scored for Pacific.
It was the club’s second tournament title this year as it gets
ready for its Coast Soccer League, Silver Division season, which
begins Sept. 6. The team still has two roster spots available and any
interested players can contact Coach Eadington at [email protected]
or 949-795-4000.
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