Boys soccer: Tars mature in 2-0 loss

Steve Virgen

SANTA ANA - When the Newport Harbor High boys soccer team begins

Sea View League play in two weeks it can look back to its fifth game of

the season for confidence. Though the Sailors lost, 2-0, Wednesday, in

nonleague action at Mater Dei, they realized they can contend with one of

the elite teams in Orange County. Newport (2-2) displayed its mettle in

the second half, shutting out the Monarchs (10-2-1).

If anything, the Sailors can excel in the Sea View because of their

coach’s confidence in them.

“I would take (Newport) against any team in the county,” Tars

first-year coach Kevin Esparza said. “In regard to technical play, Mater

Dei was superior. That was the difference. But we’re just as athletic.

This is only our fifth game and we’re still trying to find the right

system for us. Our goals are not about the pre-league season. Our goals

are set for league and on.”

Esparza said the Monarchs took advantage of the Sailors two mistakes

in the first half, and Newport could not find any wide-open scoring

opportunities in the second half.

Mater Dei controlled the majority of the first 40 minutes, when it

outshot the Tars, 8-4, and scored twice. The Sailors never backed down

from the Monarchs’ continual attacks at the net. Newport senior Kevin

Campos, along with senior Tyson Wahl and junior Jose Serpas, helped

defend their net, supporting sophomore goalkeeper Hector Campos, who

recorded eight saves.

Sophomore Manny Quintero gave the Monarchs a 1-0 lead with his header

after a long throw-in from the corner in the 10th minute. Then, 20

minutes later, freshman Robby Rogers finished a breakaway for the

comfortable 2-0 advantage.

However, the second half was a different story. Though the Sailors

could not create scoring chances, they stuffed the Monarchs each time

Mater Dei attacked.

Hector Campos left the net to stop a shot, 15 minutes into the second

half. Sophomore Joel Walker guarded the open net and cleared out a ball

to bring relief to the Sailors.

“(The Monarchs) just capitalized on a couple of our mistakes,” Kevin

Campos said. “It was a close game, otherwise. We showed great effort,

probably a bit more effort than they did.”

Wednesday’s game was also a reunion of sorts as Mater Dei assistant

coach Matt West, who coached the Sailors last year, took pleasure in

watching his former team.

“It was outstanding to see a lot of familiar faces,” West said.

“(Newport) caught Mater Dei on a good day. This will prepare (the

Sailors) for a good league showing. Tyson Wahl and Kevin Campos looked

spectacular out there.”

The Sailors return to action today at 3 p.m. in the South Torrance

Tournament, where they will face Peninsula at South Torrance High.

Newport will hold its alumni game, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. at Newport Harbor.

For alumni interested in playing call Ryan Hernandez, (949) 645-3632.