Domination again for Newport Heights

COSTA MESA ? For a team like the fifth- and sixth-grade girls of Newport Heights, a goal allowed can actually be a good thing.

At least that’s what came about Saturday in Newport Heights’ 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Harbor Day in the Daily Pilot Cup.

The Newport Heights Sharks had not allowed a goal in the tournament and were seemingly complacent late in their game against Harbor Day. That’s when Harbor Day’s Ally Brahs caught them off guard for a goal.

“I think it’s great,” Newport Heights Coach Phil Castillo said of the Sharks’ shutout streak coming to an end. “You can’t expect to get shutouts every game. It was important for us to win a close game.”

The score was close, but the Sharks were on another level. With Claire Castillo, Sophia Evans and Josie Jogwe, Newport Heights dominated most of the game.

“They were a solid side,” Harbor Day Coach Brian Oliphant said. “They had no real weaknesses I could see. Overall, I would not be surprised if they went on to win it all.”

The Sharks will face Mariners in a semifinal today, while Kaiser and Our Lady Queen of Angels will play in the other. Mariners squeaked by Andersen in a shootout.

Kaiser Coach Kirk McIntosh, also the Pilot Cup director, said the Sharks have great depth.

Newport Heights is the favorite to win the Gold division title, but Phil Castillo said he is trying to detract that hype.

Claire Castillo, Evans, as well as Allie Pantoskey, Remy Pascine and goalie Layne Moore have been leading the defense and were relentless Saturday, he said. Those types of players help the Sharks maintain possession.

“But in that game with Andersen and Mariners, Andersen seemed to have possession,” Phil Castillo said. “We can control the game with that, but at the Pilot Cup, you never know. Anything can happen.”

The Sharks are doing their best to make sure a championship happens for them. They beat Harbor View, 5-0, earlier in the day to reach the quarterfinals.

Against Harbor Day, Bailey McDaniel and Jogwe scored for Newport Heights. McDaniel found the back of the net after finishing a perfect pass from Jogwe with nine minutes left in the first half.

The goal seemed to bring relief to the Sharks. They had been attacking Harbor Day’s net throughout the half only to finally break through with McDaniel’s goal.

Holly Patrick assisted on Jogwe’s goal, which came early in the second half for a 2-0 lead. Apparently the Sharks needed Jogwe’s goal.

Phil Castillo sensed Newport Heights’ shutout streak would come to an end against Harbor Day. Before the game, he told his players that it would be tough to keep the Seahawks off the scoreboard.

“They have some marquee players,” Phil Castillo said. “Teams with players like that, they’re going to get goals.”dpt.04-dpcup-3-CPhotoInfoN11RKSEC20060604j0bexfncMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Newport Heights’ Jenna Castillo, left, and Harbor Day’s Maddie O’Connor, right, fight for possession of the ball during Saturday’s Girls’ 5-6 Gold Division quarterfinal at the Pilot Cup.