AYSO All-Stars earn split

Mike Sciacca

Laguna Beach opened play in the AYSO Area 11-K tournament last

weekend and earned a two-game split.

The Division 5 boys’ squad knocked off visiting Lake Forest, 6-2,

to begin the tournament, but suffered a 2-0 road setback at Mission

Viejo.

The win over Lake Forest began when Sam Stinnett scored a few

minutes into the match and continued when Sam Witte added two more

first-half goals for a 3-0 Laguna lead at the break.

Laguna’s first-half domination included the strong play of Witte

and Stinnett at forward and Michael Dougher, Morgan Curry, Wilber

Abarca and Nolan McConnell at mid-field.

A staunch defense, which included the play of Michael Hyden in

goal, was keyed by Rouzbeh Kazemian, Michael Kimball, Sawyer Pierce

and Travis Sampson.

Laguna continued its outstanding play in the second half, getting

a goal from Hyden, who moved from keeper to play forward, one from

Witt, who completed a hat trick, and their sixth goal from Curry.

Lake Forest scored two late goals in the fourth quarter to avoid

the shutout.

Against Mission Viejo, Laguna let several first-half scoring

opportunities slip by and never recovered in a well-played match that

saw Mission Viejo convert two goals -- including one on a penalty

kick -- for a 2-0 halftime lead.

Stinnett and Witte again played well at forward, Dougher did the

same at midfield, Kazemian had a strong game at stopper, and Hyden

and McConnell shared goaltending duties.

Laguna will continue Area 11-K competition Sunday against host

Rancho Santa Margarita in a 2 p.m. match at Forester Field.

The Area 11-K tournament matches teams from Laguna Beach, Lake

Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.