Girls soccer: Mesa retains title hopes, 3-0

IRVINE - The Costa Mesa High girls soccer team added to its

single-season victory record Monday with a 3-0 Pacific Coast League road

triumph over University.

Nichelle Janti chipped a goal over the charging Uni goalkeeper in the

third minute, on a Sharon Day assist to give the Mustangs (14-4-4, 6-1-1

in league) all they would need.

Janti added a goal in the 43rd minute, on another Day assist, and

senior Fernanda Velasco capped what Coach Dan Johnston called her best

game of the season with a goal in the 53rd minute.

Chelsea Soria made six saves for the winners, who received solid

defensive work from Mae Powers, Sarah Smallcomb, Katie Roche, Sandra

Sparks, Lisa Dunn and Devin Denman.

Denman and Dunn both filled in for fullback Faride Loera, who

dislocated a kneecap in Thursday’s PCL loss to Northwood and is out at

least through the rest of the regular season, Johnston said.

“(Velasco) had a great game today,” Johnston said. “She did some

things with the ball today that had both sidelines going ‘Wow!’ ”

The Mustangs remain two points behind league-leading CdM, which they

will face Thursday after visiting Laguna Beach tonight for a 6:15

contest.