Corona del Mar goes cold

Steve Virgen

CORONA DEL MAR - The loss was more bitter than the cold weather.

The Corona del Mar boys soccer team led, 2-1, with 37 minutes

remaining, but the Sea Kings were left in disarray after visiting

Northwood swept through with four goals to claim a 5-2 victory in Pacific

Coast League action Friday.

After improving in a 4-3 loss to Laguna Beach, Wednesday, CdM Coach

Pat Callaghan viewed the letdown against the Timberwolves (8-7-1, 1-0-1

in the PCL) as a big step in the wrong direction in his first season with

the Sea Kings (2-7, 0-2-0).

“This is a setback, definitely,” Callaghan said. “I expected us to win

the game. I thought we would be very competitive in league. But, after

losing a game like this, up, 2-1, it’s very disappointing to me.”

The Sea Kings broke a 1-1 tie three minutes into the second half. CdM

sophomore Blake Dillion beat Northwood goalie Michael Giese to the ball

and Dillion shot into an empty net.

The goal resulted from the Sea Kings’ frequent offensive attacks. They

opened the second half with more intensity than the first. But, the

Timberwolves did not back down.

The teams battled for positioning until Northwood grabbed the

momentum. The game featured physical play and three yellow cards for each

team.

“The whole momentum of the game changed for us,” Callaghan said of

losing senior Danny Marshall to two yellow cards. “We’re up, 2-1, and we

lose one of our best players. We lost our edge. Our team ended up falling

apart. We’re talking to the referees. We’re worrying about fouls. We have

to keep our mouths closed and just play.”

Neither team developed an obvious advantage in the first half. In the

14th minute, Marcus Robinson scored as the Sea Kings failed to clear the

ball from near the goal. But, a minute later, CdM freshman Julien Cerutti

scored when he looped a shot over Giese’s head. It was the Sea Kings’

first shot of the game.

Giese finished with four saves. CdM goalkeeper Geoffrey Collier turned

back 10 shots, six in the second half, when the Timberwolves took full

advantage of Marshall’s absence.

CdM’s loss was painful, to say the least. The Sea Kings came back from

a 4-1 deficit to the Artists, Wednesday, and lost, 4-3. Callaghan left

that rainy game inspired. But, the loss to Northwood ... it’s as if the

Sea Kings are back to the beginning of the season.

“When you lose at home you put yourself in a hole,” Callaghan said.

“We just lost our composure out there.”

CdM had to alter its strategy to cater to the wet spots on the field.

The Sea Kings could no longer rely on their quickness, as the majority of

midfield was like a quagmire. The No. 11 could not be seen on the jersey

of Andy Almquist.

As if on cue, a steady downpour of rain subsided at 3:15 p.m., when

the game began. The players only fought against the cold and the muddy

field.

Callaghan said he will give his players three days off as the Sea

Kings will have one day of practice to prepare for Wednesday’s matchup

with Estancia. CdM will host the Eagles at 3:15 p.m.