Lady Queen of shootouts

Steve Virgen

If the Daily Pilot Cup had an award for Best Game, the girls fifth-

and sixth-grade girls soccer quarterfinal match between Our Lady

Queen of Angels and Andersen would assuredly be a top nominee. The

eventful game ended in a 0-0 tie, which set up a dramatic

penalty-kick shootout Saturday at the Costa Mesa Farm Complex. Our

Lady Queen of Angels won, 3-2, in the best of five shots and advanced

to today’s semifinal at 9:30 a.m.

With the shootout score tied, 2-2, Our Lady’s Stephanie Nealey

lined up for the final shot. Nealey, the goalie who recorded two

saves in the shootout, found an opening at the bottom left corner and

scored.

“I was praying the whole time,” said Nealey, who did not know her

shot would be the game-winner. “I was surprised by that. But I

probably would have been even more nervous if I knew that. [When the

shot went in], I screamed so loud. I was so happy.”

Both teams entered Saturday’s game with two shutouts apiece in as

many games. During regulation, the Angels outshot Andersen, 7-0,

including five shots on goal in the second half, but they could not

get past goalie Cicily Lewis.

“This was a great game,” Angels Coach John Carvelli said. “This is

why we do this. This tournament is awesome. The people involved, the

refs, the coaches, the parents and everybody is so enthusiastic,

respectful and polite.”

A.J. Rome and Amanda Johnson scored goals in the shootout for the

Andersen Dolphins. Jackie Smith, Kate Baldoni and Nealey scored for

Our Lady Queen of Angels.

Lewis recorded one save in the shootout and another shot went wide

right for the Angels. Nealey had two saves in the shootout and

another shot went wide left for the Dolphins.

Lewis finished with eight saves.

“I was confident in our girls,” Carvelli said. “We have 11 who are

capable of scoring in that shootout. [Lewis] blocked two of our best

players. She played a great game. We dominated that game, but she

really stopped us.”

Lewis made her best save with three minutes left. An Angels’

player was about to kick the ball into the net from five yards out,

but Lewis slid and covered the ball to end the scoring threat.

“We have a great group of girls,” Andersen Coach Jeff Rome said.

“Some of the girls have been together for seven years. It was sort of

a great way to go out as a class. Everyone on the team gave it their

all.”