Girls soccer: Harbor back in the playoffs

Steve Virgen

LAGUNA HILLS - The secret is out.

The Newport Harbor High girls soccer team, the squad that finished

last in the Sea View League last year, is no longer the unknown in its

league ... or Orange County.

With a 1-0 victory Tuesday at Laguna Hills, the Sailors, ranked No. 7

in Orange County, are back in the CIF Playoffs for the first time since

1994.

In the 12th minute, Harbor senior Meridith Miller’s header finished

sophomore Taryn Flamson’s corner kick.

“We were pumped up before this game,” Harbor Coach Jason Sorrell.

“Basically, we make the CIF Playoffs by winning this game. I knew all the

kids were pretty pumped up. They didn’t play like it (in the last 20

minutes of the first half.”

Though the Tars (10-4-4, 4-0-2 in league) did not play a game they

were proud of, they still came away victorious, ignited by their second

half play.

In fact, Harbor did not allow the Hawks (8-8-3, 0-4-2) a shot on goal

in the final 50 minutes. Tars’ sophomore Amy Burlingham controlled the

second half with speed and accurate passes. The Sailors outshot Laguna

Hills, 8-0, with continual attacks as they did in the first 10 minutes of

the contest.

Harbor opened with intense play as Burlingham, Flamson, Miller and

Laura Kauth drew the advantage. Burlingham’s near shot on goal allowed

the Sailors’ corner kick that set up the lone goal.

“Everyone, let’s work harder,” Harbor junior Amy Ross yelled to her

teammates, challenging them after the goal. But, it was actually the

Hawks who began to take over.

Laguna Hills grabbed the momentum soon after Miller’s goal. And, the

Hawks sent three shots in the final 15 minutes. But, Sailors junior

goalie KiIssa Tyler was there for the stops.

With Harbor answering back, Laguna Hills stepped up defensively in the

second half. Hawks goalie Jamie Lautenschleger, who finished with eight

saves, anchored a defense that pestered the Sailors.

In the 55th minute, Sailors senior Satya Twena nearly scored but

Lautenschleger slid to make the save. Later, Kauth had a wide open shot

but it was saved with five minutes remaining.

Burlingham had three shots turned back and her shot on a breakaway

sailed wide right.

The Sailors and Hawks tied, 1-1, Jan. 22 after Kauth scored with five

seconds left in extra time. With Laguna Hills hungry for a win and three

Sea View League teams in Orange County’s top-ten, Harbor’s playoff bid

has come with huge competition.

“There’s not a game you can come into and expect to win,” Hawks Coach

Kevin Macare said.

Harbor will host, Orange County’s No. 1 team, Woodbridge, Thursday at

5 p.m. in a battle for first place.

The Sailors were without junior Tory Manchester who suffered an injury

to her right shin against Laguna Hills Monday. Sorrell said it may be a

fracture, but he will hear more of her status today.