Laguna boys back on track

Mike Sciacca

Having tasted nothing but frustration the past few weekends, the

Laguna Beach boys’ Under-13 soccer team finally got back on the

winning track last Saturday.

Laguna paired a standout defensive effort with crisp passing and

scoring on offense to record a 2-0 shutout victory over host FRYSC

Rush of Fullerton in a Silver South Division match played at Acacia

Park.

It is the second time this season Laguna Beach has defeated FRYSC

Rush. They posted a 2-1 win back in September.

Both teams played evenly throughout the first half of play with

neither being able to take control of the match.

Laguna gained the upper hand, however, and a spectacular scoring

play late in the second half to go on top for good.

Austin Hyden took possession of the ball and beat his Rush

opponent and his crossing pass found Josh Wells who then delivered a

knock-out header into the corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

Laguna rode that momentum to dominate the second half of play.

They had several scoring opportunities in the half and were able to

cash in on one occasion when Keegan Valaika’s sharp pass set up Shane

Springer for the next goal.

Springer took just one touch to drive the ball into the net,

giving Laguna a comfortable two-goal cushion.

Devin Hands worked the goal in the first half and Grant Windes

preserved the shutout with a strong second half performance in the

net.

The play of Michael Tachovsky and Kevin Buck also keyed the

victory.

Laguna will attempt to add to its modest win streak this weekend

against two opponents.

On Saturday, they will battle a tough Mission Viejo Soccer Club

Brazil squad in a 12:30 p.m. home match at Moulton Meadows. On

Sunday, they will host Canyon PSA, also at Moulton Meadows.