Mustangs in search of reversal

Steve Virgen

Coach Eugene Day, in his fourth season, plans to end the nightmare

that plagued the Costa Mesa High boys soccer program last year.

The Mustangs went 0-19-1 and never seemed to find their way in

their first year in the Golden West League. The previous two years

they had won the title in the Pacific Coast League, but Costa Mesa

never seemed to find its rhythm last season.

“We were at the top of the hill,” Day said. “And then we fell down

to the valley. It was weird. It wasn’t a good situation.”

To make matters worse, Day was suspended for violating a CIF

Southern Section rule -- coaching a team outside the season during

the school year. He coached his two daughters, Sharon and Jasmin, on

a club team of his. He said he was told it was fine to do so, yet CIF

officials ruled it a violation and suspended Day for 40 days.

However, the situation has changed for the Mustangs. They have had

their coach through the weeks leading up to the season and he doesn’t

plan to go anywhere. Plus, there has been an increase in participants

this season, whereas last year’s squad suffered from a lack of depth.

“It’s a total reversal from last year to this year,” Day said.

“We’re averaging 20 players for each level, varsity, junior and the

frosh/soph. Last year, we averaged 15. This year, we have the numbers

and that’s an excellent thing to have.”

Yes, last season is definitely over, erased from the minds of the

Mustangs. They are excited to restore the program’s luster and ready

to redeem themselves.

“I would say, right now, this team is close to the one that won

league,” Day said. “We just have to use the personnel we have and

incorporate them. We’re going to be very competitive.”

The Mustangs started to show signs of improvement last season.

They ended the season with a 2-0 loss in double overtime to Santa

Ana, the Golden West League champion.

This year’s Costa Mesa team has six returnees, including junior

Alfonso Pineda, who was a third-team All-CIF Division IV performer as

a freshman. Miguel Luna, who was a key player for Mesa as a

sophomore, returns as a senior, after missing last season to

concentrate on his studies.

Senior Barnabe Ortega and senior Omar Ruiz, who was the star

tailback for Costa Mesa’s football team, should also be contributors,

as well as sophomore Gerardo Delgado and junior goalkeeper Willmer

Hernandez.

“We’re going to be totally different,” Day said. “It’s just coming

together.”

Day said Santa Ana, Orange and Saddleback should be among the

contenders for the league title.