Breakers have survived tough schedule

The Laguna Beach High boys’ soccer team returned Monday from the holiday break in dominating fashion to score a 2-0 nonleague victory over visiting Beckman at Guyer Field.

Tommy Hooper scored twice in the first half in what Coach Patrick Coyne called “two classic goals from left-sided attacks.��

The Breakers dominated the first half and in the second half, with several “great�� saves made by freshman goalie Alec Williams. Junior sweeper Matt Anderson, who came into the match in place of injured captain Noah Michelon, helped preserve the shutout as Laguna won for the seventh time this season.

Last Friday, Laguna also picked up a 4-3 nonleague win over host Tustin. Caine Fair, Bryce Healey, Roy Herbert and Edgar Rabadon each scored a goal. Fair also had two assists and Healey added one assist.

“We always knew Tustin was going to be a very tough test, as they’ve already had some good results during preseason and have some talented players,�� Coyne said. “We were carrying a lot of injuries going into the game and I was extremely proud of how hard the boys worked for each other and battled during the game to ensure we got the result.��

The Breakers completed nonleague play at 7-1-4 overall.

“I knew we had a lot of talented players this year and wanted to test ourselves against the top schools in Orange County,�� he said. “Coming from a school with roughly 950 students, not many people thought we could compete against the sport powerhouses in Division I. I felt the program at this school has been getting progressively stronger over the last couple of years and I was confident we could hold our own against anyone and create a few surprises.

“We’ve had some excellent results in nonleague play, most notably beating Mission Viejo and getting ties against Mater Dei and JSerra, two highly rated teams this season. I feel we have shown Laguna Beach is a serious contender this year and we are looking to carry the confidence and momentum we have gained into our league play.��

With nonleague play now in the books, they begin Orange Coast League play against Godinez at Centennial Park in Santa Ana.

“Despite the good set of results we have had during nonleague play, the games have always been stepping stones to our main aim, which is to win league and progress in CIF,�� Coyne said. “The Orange Coast League is going to be very competitive this year, with a couple of very strong schools in the league. We know that our players have the ability to challenge for the title and my goal is to keep them focused on the challenge in hand.

“Anyone can beat anyone on their day in this league, and the most successful team will be the one which is most determined and consistent over the next month or so.��

Following today’s match against Godinez, the Breakers resume league play Monday against Calvary Chapel, also at Centennial Park.

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Girls’ Soccer

In their first game back from the holiday break, the Breakers dropped a 5-0 nonleague game Monday at Corona del Mar. Laguna is now 7-2-7 overall and opened Orange Coast League on Thursday against Godinez. The score wasn’t available at press time.

The Breakers continue league play Tuesday against host Calvary Chapel at Centennial Park in Santa Ana.

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Indoor soccer league to launch Sunday

On Sunday, a local indoor soccer league run by Coyne starts at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.

The league is open to Under-8 coed and U-10 and U-12 boys’ teams and is designed to take place in a fast-paced coached environment, where speed of play and skills will be enhanced each week, he said.

For registration information, contact the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, (949) 494-2535, or e-mail Coyne at patrickcoynesocceracademy.com.

MIKE SCIACCA covers sports. He can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or by e-mail at [email protected].