Sage regains home game against SVC

The Sage Hill School boys’ soccer team received some good news Monday.

The Lightning (19-8-2) won’t be playing on the road today for their CIF Southern Southern Section Division VII second-round game against Saddleback Valley Christian. The game is at Sage Hill at 5 p.m.

Initially, the CIF Southern Section ruled that the Lightning violated CIF rule 2400, Article 240, for not using a Spalding ball in last year’s playoffs. But Sage Hill’s Dean of School Life Jon Poffenberger, the former athletic director, called the CIF Southern Section office Monday morning to point out the error.

Sage Hill used a Spalding ball during the playoffs last year.

“It was from last year and we put it in our notes after what we received from the referees,” said Scott Ratery, the CIF Southern Section assistant commissioner. “We double checked and that wasn’t the case. It was the ? school that brought it to our attention.”

The Sage Hill players breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they’ll play at home.

Taylor Ross, who leads the team with the Sage Hill single-season scoring record of 21 goals, is definitely happy.

“There was some talk about getting a bus for the fans [to SVC],” Ross sad. “But I think a lot more people will be there now that it is at home.”

Drew Wheeler and Ben Capaldi, who have been nursing injuries, might return for today’s game, Ross said.

Wheeler, a junior stopper, has been out for more than a month with an ankle injury, but practiced Monday. Capaldi, a senior midfielder, had his appendix removed earlier this month and is recovering.

La Mirada’s different

The Estancia High boys’ soccer team beat La Mirada, 1-0, in the CIF Southern Section playoffs last year.

But the Matadores are a whole different team this season.

This time, La Mirada’s the favorite, playing at home today against the Eagles (14-8-3) at 5 p.m. in a second-round match.

“There is no pressure on us,” Estancia Coach Robert Castellanos said. “Everyone has them beating us. The kids are relaxed going in.”

Castellanos said he’s been proud of the Eagles ability to bounce back from early-season struggles, when they started out 1-6-2. They won the Orange Coast League title. Now he’s hoping they advance to the quarterfinals.

Midfielder J.J. Rodriguez, forward Martin Garcia and goalkeeper Edgar Vega have been instrumental in Estancia’s recent success.

Close to full strength

Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer coach George Larsen said the top-seeded Sea Kings are nearly at full strength, as they head to Carpinteria for its CIF Division IV second-round game.

Mason Case, who was nursing a back injury, and Elliott Waniek, who sustained a knee injury early in the season, might play today.

Aside from health issues, Larsen is not totally disappointed CdM (20-1-1) is playing on the road.

“Obviously it’s a long drive, but if we have to go on the road earlier in the playoffs and maybe get a home game later on, we’re probably better off,” he said. “You have to go on the road at some point. This probably suits us OK.”

CdM senior Reed Williams, bound for UCLA, has 27 goals and 10 assists this season.

The Sea Kings are ranked No. 12 in the nation by ESPN RISE.