Corona del Mar Comes on Strongest at End of Soccer Match With Sailors

Corona Del Mar's and Newport Harbor's girls soccer teams battled in a scoreless game for 70 minutes, but in the final 10 minutes the two teams combined for four goals and the Sea Queens came away with a 3-1 victory in the "Battle of the Bay" showdown Tuesday afternoon at Corona Del Mar High.

With about 10 minutes left to play, Corona Del Mar sophomore midfielder Annie Alvarado made a big play against heavy Newport Harbor pressure to get off a shot that found the back of the net and gave the Sea Queens a 1-0 lead. But what seemed like an insurmountable lead in such a defensive battle, was soon reversed.

A few minutes later, the Sailors were awarded a free kick from about 30 yards out from the right side. Sophomore Jill Messersmith put the ball perfectly over the defense just to the left of the goal. Senior Megan Khademi slid behind the defense and made a perfect redirect of the ball into the left side of the net to tie the score at 1-1.

But Newport Harbor coach Larry Draluck, who said he hesitated to substitute for a stronger defensive lineup, saw the Sea Queens soon took advantage. It was Alvarado again who got loose behind the defense for a one-one-one breakaway against the goalie. This time she was brought down from behind ona  steal attempt and the Sea Kings were awarded a penalty kick. Senior Allyson Brahs converted the penalty with a blistering shot to the right side for a 2-1 lead.

"In a game like this, sometimes you need someone to have a moment of brilliance, and Annie had two of them today," Corona del Mar coach Bryan Middleton said.

In the final minute of the game, as Newport Harbor was trying furiously to get the tying goal, the Sea Queens found an opening for a counter attack. A rush up the sideline resulted in crossing pass to an open Emily Krebs and the sophomore forward put the ball in the net for the final goal.

Draluck said his team felt as if they won the battle but lost the war. He told his players it was probably their best game of the season. He said they controlled the ball well and dealt with the Sea Queens' strong counter attack. However, despite controlling much of the action, Draluck said they failed to convert on their best chances while their opponents did. It is a pattern with which the Sailors are getting too familiar.

"Several of our games have gone like this," Draluck said.

The Sailors (1-4-1) will be at Dana Hills on Friday at 3:15 p.m. and then at Aliso Niguel at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22. The Sea Queens (3-0-2) will host a big match against Edison on Thursday at 3:15 p.m. Edison is No. 10 in this week's O.C. Register's rankings, while Corona del Mar is No. 3.