The Daily Pilot Cup Girls 5-6: New kids on the block

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - Moments after scoring what proved to be a game-winning

goal, Harbor View sixth-grader Rachel Parker had two extra reasons to be

joyous. Aside from the 2-1 pool-play-opening victory over St. Johns,

Parker realized her Vikings just defeated the defending Daily Pilot Cup

girls fifth- and sixth-grade division champions at the Costa Mesa Farm

Field Wednesday.

“This is our first year in (The Pilot Cup),” said Parker, who was also

excited to play with different teammates from her AYSO squad. “It’s more

special because it’s fun to play with your friends.”

Parker formed a dangerous 1-2 combination with her friend and teammate

Lindsay Zotovich. The duo accounted for the two goals for the Vikings,

who trailed after three minutes spent.

St Johns’ Ally Krikorian outran Harbor View defenders on a breakaway

and finished her display of speed with a goal. Krikorian, who also

completed a somersault throw-in in the second half, is the younger sister

of Costa Mesa High standouts Danny (basketball and track and field), and

Stacy (soccer and track and field).

With eight minutes left in the first half, the Vikings’ dazzling duo

of Parker and Zotovich tied the score. After taking a pass from Allison

Foster, Parker found Zotovich for the goal.

Then, three minutes into the second half, Zotovich found Parker for

what proved to be the game winner.

“We had great defensive play from Arielle Lysacek and Allison Foster,”

Harbor View co-coach Dan Belove said. “Our goalie, McKenna Caskey (four

saves), also helped out.”

Goalkeeper Noelle Esquer also played solid defense for St. Johns, also

known as the Fighting Irish. She recorded 11 saves and with five minutes

left, she played the field, as Paulina Tran filled in at the net. But,

the Vikings maintained a solid defense and held the Fighting Irish

scoreless in the second half.

In another girls 5-6 division game:

Kaiser #1 7, Davis #2 0: Crystal Mena, Alexandra McIntosh and Emily

Olhaver scored two goals each and Alice Cope found the net once to earn

the shutout victory for Coach Kirk McIntosh, the Pilot Cup tournament

director.