CdM fails first test with Northwood, 2-0

Steve Virgen

Corona del Mar High students are amid finals this week. Turns out,

the CdM boys soccer team received an extra test Wednesday afternoon

when Pacific Coast League foe Northwood came to the Sea Kings’ field.

CdM Coach Pat Callaghan did not enjoy the results, as the

Timberwolves moved into first place in the Pacific Coast League with

a 2-0 win over the Sea Kings, who were previously undefeated in

league play.

“This was a good test for us, but we didn’t pass it,” Callaghan

said. “We’ll be ready to take it again. I’m pretty disappointed with

the loss. It’s hard to swallow, especially after you win five in a

row. I’m really surprised we didn’t score a goal.”

CdM, 11-5-2, 4-1-0, which had its five-game winning streak

snapped, controlled the game early, but when Northwood scored on a

counterattack on its first shot on goal, the Timberwolves grabbed the

momentum. Northwood senior Tony Pacheco headed in a cross from senior

teammate Garret McClelland in the 17th minute.

One minute later, CdM junior Jerritt Thayer nearly scored off a

header from a corner kick, but Brian Klucsar made one of his 13

saves.

“The PCL title goes through Northwood,” said Coach Barry Bandaruk,

whose team improved to 13-4-1, 5-0-0 in league. “This was one of our

better games. I was concerned with how the kids played in their last

game, but they stepped up. They really wanted this one.”

CdM senior Blake Dillion cleared a Northwood scoring threat in the

27th minute. However, it was evident that the Timberwolves had gained

the advantage.

The Timberwolves, last year’s CIF Division IV champions who are

unbeaten in their past 10 games, scored again in the 33rd minute when

Benny Feilhaber broke away from two CdM defenders near the net and

flicked in a shot. Three minutes later, Pacheco almost scored on a

breakaway, but his shot hit the right post.

“We played well in the first 20 minutes,” Callaghan said. “We had

our chances and we didn’t put them away. When (Pacheco) headed it

home for the goal, that kind of shocked us a bit. They basically

controlled the game from that point on. I think they exposed us on

the outside with their speed. They just played harder than we did. We

have the ability to play with them. We need to come out with more

intensity and sustain it.”

CdM earned several scoring chances in the second half, outshooting

Northwood, 13-3, but the Sea Kings could not find the net. CdM junior

Juilen Cerutti had several of his shots sail wide past the net.

“We’re lucky they didn’t finish of their chances,” Bandaruk said.

In other boys soccer Wednesday:

* Visiting Newport Harbor High edged Sea View League rival

Foothill, 1-0, as senior forward Eric Nutter flicked a header over

the onrushing goalie for the game-winner after a through ball into

the 18-yard box midway through the first half.

Goalie Mark Spears preserved the shutout for the Sailors (6-3-3,

4-1-1 in league) and Coach Martyn Hansford also praised the defensive

work of senior Brandon Lufty.