Girls soccer: Tars win in overtime, 3-1

Richard Dunn

NEWPORT BEACH - Considering how close Newport Harbor High came to

scoring a winning goal in the second half, it’s no surprise that Coach

Jason Sorrell’s Sailors continued to dominate in overtime Saturday as

they defeated visiting University, 3-1, in the first round of the CIF

Southern Section Division II girls soccer playoffs.

For third-seeded Newport Harbor (12-6-4), it was the Amy Ross Show as

the senior midfielder achieved her second career hat trick and first

since her freshman year.

“It was in the Irvine Tournament -- and we won big,” Ross said of her

first three-goal game in December 1998.

Against University (10-8-3), Ross scored the game-tying goal in the

53rd minute on a cross from junior standout Amy Burlingham, added the

go-ahead goal in the 86th minute during the first of two 10-minute

overtime periods and provided an insurance goal in the 98th minute in the

second overtime.

“She was tremendous,” Sorrell said of Ross, who was beaming afterward.

Newport Harbor will play Riverside Poly in the second round Wednesday.

A coin flip Monday will determine the home team.

The Sailors, who controlled the game but came up empty on three shots

inside six yards in the second half, had several chances to win in

regulation.

Ross, who hit the post on one shot, was tripped up by a Uni defender

another time on a breakaway on what appeared to be a clear path to the

goal.

After a scoreless first half, Uni’s Taylor Smith gave the Trojans a

1-0 edge in the 49th minute. But Ross tied it for Newport on an assist by

Burlingham.

“I just came running down the middle and Amy gave me a perfect ball,”

Ross said.

Ross scored on a header in the first overtime period, after a Taryn

Flamson corner kick, then gave the hosts a two-goal cushion on a

breakaway goal with two minutes remaining in the second overtime.

Ross stripped the ball from a Uni player, dribbled 15 yards and fired

away with clear path to the left side of the net.

Uni senior goalie Kate Cumsky finished with 14 saves, 13 coming in

regulation (nine in the second half).