Swift kick keys Tars’ upset win

CORONA DEL MAR — It’s the nature of this rivalry that lifelong memories and a lifetime of bragging rights can turn on the fortunes of one swift kick.

It was, in fact, one Swift kick — a 30-yard blast off the foot of junior Natalie Swift — that propelled visiting Newport Harbor to a 1-0 nonleague girls’ soccer victory over Back Bay rival Corona del Mar Tuesday in the annual Battle of the Bay.

Swift’s shot, which sailed over the goalkeeper and into the top of the net in the 21st minute, allowed the Sailors (2-5-4) to upset the Sea Kings (6-5-3) and claim the first win in the series since the 2006-07 season.

The last time Newport Harbor beat CdM, it avenged a loss earlier that season to the Sea Kings. So this win, in the two schools’ only meeting this season, ensures the Tars can boast of having the upper hand — often with girls who are club teammates — for at least one year. For the seniors, of course, this will be the swan song of record.

The Battle of the Bay the last two seasons ended in a tie.

But both coaches said they hope Tuesday’s outcome will not resonate with the players for long, since both open their respective league seasons Thursday.

“I hope not,” said Newport Harbor Coach Larry Draluck, when asked if this was a game he would be talking about at the postseason banquet. “I’m hoping I’ll be talking about our [Sunset League] season.”

CdM Coach Bryan Middleton said he asked his girls to put their disappointment behind them.

“I told them that this loss is going to sting, but if they were going to sulk, they could do it for the next hour and get over it, because [Pacific Coast League play] starts on Thursday,” Middleton said.

What likely won’t help CdM “get over” this one was the 13-4 shot advantage, including 9-0 in the second half, and no fewer than two CdM shots that kissed off the crossbar.

In the sixth minute, CdM senior Lauren Smits drove a free kick on net that appeared to have beaten the Sailors’ sophomore keeper, Emily Browne. But Browne turned and retreated two steps, before leaping to punch the ball upward and behind her. The ball struck the crossbar and caromed downward back onto the field and no CdM player was there to capitalize on the rebound.

Just seconds before halftime, CdM senior Hayley Raguse angled a shot from the right wing toward the far post that glanced off the crossbar and back into the 18-yard box. This time, Newport Harbor senior Gillian Hogan cleared it.

Browne finished with five saves, earning praise from Draluck, the Sailors’ second shutout of the season, and their shutout victory.

“She took some lumps as a freshman starter last year and she has taken a few this year, as well,” Draluck said. “But she has really improved.”

Swift, who on her way off the field hugged and exchanged well wishes with Raguse, also expressed appreciation for Browne’s effort.

“The big thing right now for all our players is confidence,” Swift said. “[Browne] needed that confidence because she’s a great goalie.”

Swift, who had one goal in the first 10 games of the season, said she does not lack confidence shooting from long distance.

“With my club team, I’m a defender, so my shots are usually from outside,” said Swift, who is also typically a defender for Newport, but played Tuesday as an attacking midfielder.

“I got to play up today,” Swift said. “I saw the ball in the middle and I saw a gap and I knew I should take [the shot]. And I didn’t put away the first one I had, so I knew I hand to put away the second one. I just wanted to get it over the goalie’s hands and I guess it worked.”

Draluck also singled out Hogan, senior Brianna Schwartz, and sophomore Shannon Boler for their strong play.

Middleton credited the work of sophomore Sydney Raguse, while Karsten Sigband, freshman Maddie O’Connor and senior Nikki Flinn also stood out.