Estancia in search of change

This is the year the Estancia High girls’ soccer team defeats Costa Mesa, Eagles’ Coach Steven Crenshaw said before the season started.

The Eagles had not beaten the Mustangs in over six years, but Crenshaw predicted correctly, as Estancia beat Costa Mesa twice in the inaugural Newport-Mesa Cup last week.

The Eagles showed they are trying to build off last year’s success. Estancia made the CIF Southern Section Division III playoffs for the first time in 12 years last season. Most of the 12 seasons were spent winless in league. Before Crenshaw took over the Eagles endured a string of six coaches in six years.

Seeing the girls’ soccer program spiral out of control — his daughter played through the turmoil — is one reason Crenshaw came back after one year away from coaching. He was the Eagles’ boys’ soccer coach for nine seasons, leading the team to a Division IV section title in the 1999-2000 season.

The girls’ team ended the playoff drought by going 7-8-4, but the Eagles lost only one starter and Crenshaw believes her replacement is even better.

“The most important thing is that the girls are confident,” Crenshaw said. “Maybe at one time Costa Mesa was the best team in Costa Mesa but not this year. I like beating Costa Mesa. I’m used to beating Costa Mesa. I like [Costa Mesa Coach] Dan Johnston and I look forward to seeing him out there.”

Freshman midfielder Nushin Tasbichi brings club experience to the starting lineup and teamed with junior Stacy McDaniels, a first-team All-Golden West League selection, should add a spark to the Eagles’ offense. Senior midfielder Avery Williams returns as a second-team all-league pick.

“They are a formidable combination for us,” Crenshaw said. “Stacy McDaniels, she’s the kind of player that doesn’t come around very often. She’s a very committed player. She’s playing with a lot of enthusiasm. Stacy is a multidimensional player. She was responsible for a lot of goals off set pieces. She’s a corner kick machine.”

Senior defender Bridget Gleason, a captain along with McDaniels and Williams, returns as a first-team all-league selection. Sophomore Cori Chapin will also make an impact on defense. They will try to make an impact in their new Orange Coast League

“She’s a very solid defensive player,” Crenshaw said of Gleason. “Cori Chapin has outstanding work ethic and is an outstanding player.”

Junior forward Jennifer Thomas comes back as the team’s leading scorer from last season.

“We’re looking for a lot more goals out of her this year,” Crenshaw said.

Junior Taylor West will be the Eagles’ other forward.

“She doesn’t look as polished, but when she’s out there she makes things happen,” Crenshaw said. “She could challenge for leading the team in goals.”

Sophomore Natalie Plascencia will start at sweeper and senior Madison Urtusuastegui will play goalkeeper.

“We’re solid everywhere,” Crenshaw said.

And, with the four sophomores, four juniors, two seniors and a freshman in the starting lineup, the Eagles could be highly competitive for years to come.