Sea Kings slide into PCL title

Steve Virgen

One soccer game, played in rain, wind and mud, decided the title of

outright champion or co-champions. One shot, in the final minute,

determined the Pacific Coast League’s fate.

Corona del Mar High junior Chris Ringstrom scored an unassisted

goal in the final minute to lead the Sea Kings’ boys soccer team to a

2-1 come-from-behind victory over host Northwood Wednesday.

CdM (16-5-2, 9-1-0 in league) shares the PCL championship with

Northwood after dealing the Timberwolves their first loss in league

action, and ending their 14-game unbeaten streak. Corona also avenged

its 2-0 loss to Northwood Jan. 29.

Shortly after Wednesday’s game, the Sea Kings reveled in their

victory, as they slid on their bellies across midfield.

“That’s our first league title since 1994,” CdM Coach Pat

Callaghan said of the Sea Kings’ co-championship. “The boys deserved

it. They outplayed (Northwood). They found a way to win. It was as if

they willed their way to win. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

For the Sea Kings, the rain was hardly a concern. They used the

adverse conditions to their advantage.

“I love playing in the rain,” CdM senior Blake Dillion said. “You

slide and you end up going eight feet. It’s so much fun. It takes

your mind off all the pain.”

Ringstrom, who said he had not been playing very well during

league action, broke through Northwood’s defense in the game’s

closing moments.

He created his own scoring chance by losing his defender then

firing a strike past the goalie from about eight yards out.

“I just (dodged the defender); I saw an opening and I went for

it,” Ringstrom said. “I’m glad it went in. I’m so glad.”

CdM junior Danny Whitaker also provided the Sea Kings with

delight. He scored the tying goal on a free kick from about 40 yards

out in the 62nd minute. The shot was low. It skipped and it appeared

to have ricocheted off the goalie’s leg before going in.

“That changed the momentum, big time,” said Whitaker, who

overpowered several Northwood players, knocking them over while

winning balls throughout the game.

“We came in knowing we had to win,” continued Whitaker. “We knew

we had to play like we did against Newport Harbor, with intensity.

And, we did.”

Whitaker drew ire from a Northwood player who was charged with a

yellow card in the 75th minute. Phil Stemler, CdM’s senior goalie,

also turned in a noteworthy performance. He recorded seven saves,

including two stops in one-on-one situations. CdM seniors Brandon

Zarian and Dillion also contributed on defense allowing the Sea

Kings’ offense, including junior Julien Cerrutti, Ringstrom and

Whitaker, to attack. Junior Jeritt Thayer and sophomore Shane Collins

were also battling in the muddy trenches. They suffered bruised thigh

injuries, but Callaghan said he expects them to be ready for the

playoffs.

“They came together and played with so much emotion and passion,”

Callaghan said of his squad. “I’m so proud of their effort. We

couldn’t have given any more effort out there.”

CdM nearly scored in the 23rd minute when Ringstrom fired a shot

to the back of Northwood’s net. But, a referee apparently stopped

play because he said the Timberwolves’ goalie had possession before

Ringstrom kicked the ball.

Northwood (18-4-1, 9-1-0), last year’s CIF Division IV champion,

scored 13 minutes later on its only scoring threat of the first half.

Northwood sophomore Robert Garcia scored from near the corner to give

the Timberwolves a 1-0 lead.

The rain, wind and muddy field seemed to slow down Northwood, a

team known for its quickness. Corona took advantage and used its

strength to dominate the Timberwolves.

“We heard them laughing and joking around before the game,”

Dillion said. “We used that as fuel.”

In a Sea View League game:

* The Newport Harbor High boys soccer team tied visiting

Woodbridge, 2-2, in the league finale for both Wednesday at Newport

Harbor.

The Sailors needed a victory to earn a share of the league crown,

but instead will have to settle for second place.

No details from the contest were reported.