Daisy helps Eagles

COSTA MESA — Estancia High senior forward Daisy Martinez found something that rarely happens in a soccer game. After a cross that deflected off the goalie, the ball landed right in front of her feet and she kicked it in.

The goal helped the Eagles to a 1-1 tie against rival Costa Mesa on a cold and rainy Tuesday night at Estancia.

It was the Orange Coast League finale and senior night for the Mustangs. Entering the game, the Eagles knew they would finish second in league, while Costa Mesa was the fifth and final team. But like with any rivalry, they wanted to win.

The Mustangs were the first team to score 16 minutes into the game when senior forward Natalie Argueta beat a defender and found junior forward Alex Krohnfeldt wide open inside the six-yard box. Krohnfeldt beat Eagles goalkeeper Allyson Wallace near post and gave the lead for the Mustangs.

About eight minutes later, the Eagles had an opportunity as senior forward Nushin Tasbihchi dribbled down the middle of the field and passed the ball to sophomore midfielder Heather Flores, who beat a defender on the left side and sent in a cross that was deflected by Mustang goalie Hayley Smith.

Martinez appeared to be at the right place at the right time, as the ball landed at her feet. She shot the ball low in and beat Smith near post.

This changed the momentum as the rest of the game both teams were trying to find the game-winning goal. In the 24th minute, an Eagle defender was called for a hand ball about 25 yards out and Mustang junior defender Sami Feinstein took the direct free kick, which hit the top left corner of the crossbar and went out of bounds.

The temperature was a factor in the game, Costa Mesa Coach Dan Johnston said.

“Cold, had a big impact in the game tonight,� he said. “We had great chances it was a good game a lot of action.�

Both teams were trying to stay warm and trying to find avoid the tie.

“We had some highs and lows, and we had good opportunities, but were unable to convert,� Eagles Coach Jessica Gatica said.

The Mustangs honored their five seniors including Argueta, who recently committed to Cal State Monterey Bay. She had missed a portion of the season to compete with the Guatemala women’s under-20 national team, which finished third in its group at the CONCACAF Championships, Jan. 20-30.

Gabby Suarez, Rachel Brown, Stephanie Fox and Daniele Young were also honored.

The Eagles will be waiting the CIF playoff pairings, which will be released Monday.