Eagles girls come on strong

Estancia outplays one of the Golden West League’s top teams en route to a scoreless tie.COSTA MESA -- When Steve Crenshaw took over the Estancia High girls’ soccer team this season, he became the program’s eighth coach in eight years.

Since then, Crenshaw has moved the program in a positive direction.

The Eagles nearly pulled off an upset Thursday at Orange Coast College, playing Saddleback to a 0-0 tie in a Golden West League game.

“We had a couple of losses against good teams in the Irvine Tournament, when we were sick and injured,” Crenshaw said. “We’ve gotten over that and are doing OK now. I think we’re ready to make a run.”

On Thursday, Estancia (4-4-2, 2-2-1 in league) made a run at Saddleback (4-1-1 in league) all afternoon. The Eagles were in control most of the game and had several scoring opportunities that they couldn’t cash in. Stacy McDaniels dominated the midfield, creating many of Estancia’s scoring chances.

Nasmy Abdul got behind the Roadrunners defense midway through the first half and made a run on goalkeeper Ruby Lopez, but Lopez made a diving save.

“I give a lot of credit to our goalie, she did a great job,” Saddleback Coach Alex Rico said.

Estancia goalie Julia Tasedan made two big saves in the second half to preserve the tie, turning back Jackie Ulloa’s shot early in the half and Fatima Gutierrez’s attempt from the top of the 18-yard box.

Estancia had one more chance when Abdul and McDaniels played keep-away in the Saddleback box in the final moments, but couldn’t find room to get a shot off.

“We can touch the ball and do good things with it,” Crenshaw said. “But we have to learn how to finish our opportunities. We moved the ball well, but we’re young, and sometimes they just have to settle down.”

Golden West League

Estancia 0, Saddleback 0

Score by Halves