Estancia settles for 2-2 tie

COSTA MESA — The Estancia boys’ soccer team tied Edison, 2-2, Friday, but Eagles Coach Gannon Burks said his team lost out on a victory.

The Eagles (2-2-2) trailed Edison, the No. 6-ranked team in CIF Southern Section Division I, 1-0 early. Estancia, which is unranked in Division III, scored two goals late in the first half before Edison netted the equalizer with two minutes remaining.

“We had this game,” Burks said. “I don’t think they relaxed. They just made a little error. All we needed to do was hold them for two more minutes. It was a very physical game. I’m very proud of the boys. I really believe we dominated the game.”

Burks added: “Edison is a good team and good teams find a way to score in the end.”

After Edison took the lead with a goal in the 13th minute, the Eagles tied the score with a goal from senior forward Edgar Rodriguez in the 31st minute.

Sophomore outside midfielder Chuey Garcia took the ball up the sideline before sending a cross pass to Rodriguez who headed it in.

“He had a really nice cross,” Burks said. “Edgar just finished it. He headed just over the top of the goalie’s hands. That’s one of the things we were lacking the last couple of years. We work on our heading all the time.”

Estancia took the lead after sophomore midfielder George Olivas was taken down in the goal box when the Eagles were attempting a corner kick. Olivas scored on the penalty kick.

“They pulled him down when he was going for the goal,” Burks said. “I wanted him to have that. We dominated the whole game. The midfield was really helping out the defense.”

Burks said senior captain Luis Gurrero and sophomore Ronnie Argeta played strong on defense.

“A lot of defenders make the mistake where they stab at the ball,” Burks said. “They’ll go around you if you do that. They know how to stand a guy up.”

On Wednesday Estancia plays host to Tustin.

Last season, Tustin beat the Eagles 6-3 after Estancia held a 3-1 halftime lead.

“This is another important game,” Burks said. “We need to remember what happened last year. They’re no joke. Hopefully we can repay the debt. They know we played pathetic. The guys told me ‘Coach we’re going to make sure we won’t embarrass ourselves against Tustin again.’ ”