Estancia back in groove

COSTA MESA — Heather Flores struggled with the right words to describe Saturday. Let’s just say the Estancia High girls’ soccer team isn’t used to playing Orange Coast League matches on the weekend.

Two days after suffering their first league loss, the Eagles needed to rebound in a big way at home Monday.

Flores and Estancia returned to the normal work week and showed they’re still on top of their game. Flores scored twice as the Eagles beat visiting Godinez, 2-0, helping them stay within striking distance of Calvary Chapel in the league title hunt.

Estancia (11-7-3, 4-1-1 in league), which has two league matches remaining, is three points behind Calvary Chapel (5-1-1 in league after Monday’s 2-0 win over Costa Mesa).

Calvary Chapel completes its league schedule today on the road against Godinez.

Second-year coach Jessica Gatica has stressed to her Eagles the importance of taking it one match at a time.

The victory was huge for the Eagles after Saturday’s 2-1 setback at home to Laguna Beach. Estancia wasn’t about to lose to another team with one win in league.

“I think the Saturday threw everyone off,” said Gatica, whose team played at 10:45 a.m. that day. “We do way better during the week. I think the girls are more focused and more just into it. Their whole day is leading up to [the game].

“I’m just glad to see they showed some character and some strength.”

Flores showed her might to help the Eagles put away Godinez (1-4 in league).

Sixteen minutes into the second half, the striker used her speed to chase down a pass from Alissa Scheafer. When the defender tried to shield her away from the ball, the 4-foot-11 Flores muscled possession away inside the box.

Godinez goalkeeper Teresa Pintor stood no chance of stopping Flores’ blast. Flores beat the sophomore in the 28th minute as well, as she was on her way to her first two-goal game of the season.

“After Saturday, I think everyone is pumped that we got another win,” Flores said.

Flores made sure the handful of seniors being honored after the game celebrated with a victory. Keeper Allyson Wallace was one of the seniors.

Wallace made four saves in the shutout and she didn’t have to worry much. The Eagles controlled the action for the entire match. If not for a couple of strong plays by Pintor, Estancia might have led, 3-0, at halftime.

The Eagles’ best scoring chance came nine minutes into the match.

Jessica Lyons attacked from the right, dribbling inside the box before unleashing a shot toward the far post. Pintor dived to her right, unable to get her gloves on the ball. She didn’t have to as the ball went wide and out of play.

The Grizzlies dodged another bullet in the 14th minute.

From the left side, Flores took a shot, but the keeper made the save. Pintor was forced to use her foot to stop another Estancia run.

Lyons chased after a free ball headed toward the box. The keeper charged, beating the striker to the ball and kicking it away near the 18 and out of danger.

Godinez wasn’t so lucky in the 28th minute.

After a foul, Jackie Freiberger quickly fed Flores the ball and the sophomore finished the play. Flores saw the keeper protecting the near post. Unfazed, she was able to sneak in a closed-range shot with her left foot to give Estancia a 1-0 lead.

The Eagles’ defense shut down Godinez. Cal Poly Pomona-bound Nushin Tasbihchi played a strong midfield and Erin O’Neil and Emily Leahy stood out on defense.

The only scare the Grizzlies gave Estancia was in the 30th minute, when Yocelin Vicens collided with Wallace in the box.

Wallace looked OK, as she wound up with the ball and immediately rose to her feet. No card was handed out. The referee just warned Vicens.

The Eagles received their warning Saturday. They’re at Laguna Beach tonight for a 6:15 match. Gatica believes getting upset was a blessing.

“Now, they’re hungry,” Gatica said.