Breakers win despite the rust

Laguna boys’ team is a bit sloppy in victory over St. Margaret’s, coach Giovanni Vlahos says.They might have shown signs of rust from not having played since last winter, but the Laguna Beach High boys’ soccer team got what it was after Tuesday: a victory.

In a season-opening match for both teams, host Laguna shut out St. Margaret’s High, 3-0.

“We got the result that we wanted, but we played very, very sloppy,” Laguna coach Giovanni Vlahos said. “Maybe you can chalk it up to rust, but I know that my boys are better than what they showed out there.”

Laguna took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the first half on a direct kick by returning starter and team captain Derek LeBon. The Breakers could have taken a 2-0 lead at the break, but a shot on goal by Roman Fricker, a transfer from Germany, hit the post and bounced away.

In the second half, Laguna upped its tempo but still had troubles at midfield. Senior Brenden Hexberg, another returner, dished an assist to LeBon, who scored his second goal of the night to make it 2-0.

“Hexberg’s play and overall mentality from last year to this year is something I’m most proud of this early in the season,” Vlahos said. “This year, the boy has become a man on the soccer pitch. He has become a complete player. His attitude at practice and his looking for his teammates is what is opening up space for everybody else.”

Laguna scored its final goal on a shot by freshman Bryce Healey. Healey’s older brother, Brennen, a junior, “is the motor that runs my machine from the defense,” Vlahos said.

The Breakers have three other key defenders back from last year’s team: seniors Chris Devries and Sean Koger and sophomore Michael Tachovsky.

Simon Kardos, a first-year keeper, came up with four saves against St. Margaret’s.

Kardos, a senior, blew out his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the summer and was a question mark coming into the season.

“His amazing work ethic has put him in the starting spot for now,” Vlahos said.

Another key addition to the Laguna roster is senior Michael Reyes.

“His presence on the field demands the respect of defenders, sometimes double covering him, which opens up space for his teammates,” Vlahos said.

“With all this talent that I have, we look great on paper. But we need to step up our intensity level and bring that winning mentality back to Laguna Beach High.”

20051202iqsnx1knDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Laguna’s Michael Tachovsky, left, takes the ball away from a St. Margaret’s opponent and moves upfield.