PV Captures Soccer Title Over Culver, 3-0

No wonder they call them the Sea Kings. Palos Verdes High ignored a driving rain and sloshed to a 3-0 soccer victory over Culver City in the championship game of the South Bay Alliance Tournament at Palos Verdes on Thursday.

The victory improved Palos Verdes’ record to 6-0, including four shutouts, and preserved the Sea Kings’ No. 1 ranking in the CIF 4-A division.

The leak-proof Palos Verdes defense allowed only five weak shots on goal, while the offense controlled the ball most of the game. Palos Verdes goalkeeper Mark Antrobius credited his teammates with the shutout. “Our defense is hot,” said a soaked Antrobius. “I’ve gotten saved so many times by them.”

A sparse crowd shivered under umbrellas and watched the teams exchange possession for the first half hour. Then Palos Verdes began attacking. The Sea Kings continually had the ball near the Culver City goal but could not put it in. Centaur goalkeeper Geordie Speake saved four close-range shots as Palos Verdes applied relentless pressure. A Palos Verdes goal by Doug Kay was disallowed because the referee ruled Kay had pushed off a Culver City defender.

“It happens; you get calls like that, “ said Palos Verdes Coach Alan King. “But they don’t coach, so I don’t referee.”

It was not important. Soon after, the Sea Kings were awarded two penalty shots 2 minutes apart for Culver City fouls. Gregg Swartz missed the first penalty shot but then drilled the second just to the left of Speake to give Palos Verdes a 1-0 lead with 10 minutes to go in the first half.

Palos Verdes came back from a shortened intermission and began to dominate the Centaurs. The ball did not leave the Culver City half of the soggy field for the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Centaur defense, led by Jesus Gomez and Marco Shelton, prevented many shots on goal, but the Sea Kings eventually wore them down. Lance Haworth headed a Kay corner kick into the net with 15 minutes to go in the game, giving Palos Verdes an insurmountable 2-0 lead, considering the defensive play of the Sea Kings. After Haworth’s tally the Centaurs challenged the Palos Verdes goal, but no serious threats were allowed by the brilliant Sea King defense.

“They control the ball very well, they use open space very well, they’re a solid team,” said Culver City Coach Daniel Ohayon. “It was a good lesson for us.” King praised his defense and center fielder Brandon Demott in particular. Demott played for Jim Miller, team captain and All-CIF performer, who was injured earlier against Hawthorne.

“The defense played their best game today,” said King. “We rushed the ball up the field and used our goalie (as a defensive measure) for the first time.”

Roman Ros booted a 15-yard shot into the upper left corner of the goal to finish the scoring for Palos Verdes with 5 minutes to go. The Centaurs played hard until the end but could not pierce the Sea King defense. The game ended and fans scurried to warmth.

Palos Verdes plays Newbury Park on Dec. 22 at the South Tournament and then in the Fountain Valley Tournament Dec. 27 in preparation for league play, which begins Jan. 4.