Laguna plans to build on success

The Laguna Beach boys’ soccer team opens Orange Coast League play today on a roll, having gone undefeated in its past five matches.

The Breakers visit Calvary Chapel for a 3 p.m. start.

Although they have gone 4-0-1 in their last five matches, the Breakers haven’t played since Jan. 3, when they defeated visiting University, 1-0, at Guyer Field. In that nonleague win, they took a 1-0 halftime lead on a goal by Tim Fulton and made it stand, with Alex Germano recording three saves to secure the shutout of the Trojans.

Also during the winter break, the Breakers competed at the Marina Tournament and came away with the consolation championship.

After suffering an opening 3-0 defeat to undefeated and highly-ranked Los Alamitos, Laguna went 3-0-1 the remainder of the tournament to win the consolation bracket side of the event.

In the consolation finals, the Breakers blanked host Marina, 2-0. Bryce Healy and Eaton both scored and Austin Hyden and Caine Fair collected assists.

Germano got the shutout with three saves.

In the consolation quarterfinals round, Laguna and Fountain Valley fought to a 4-4 tie, but the Breakers prevailed on penalty kicks, 6-5.

Fulton, Healy, Ian Green and Tommy Hopper scored in regulation for the Breakers. Fair was in on two assists and Hopper, David Clausen and John Schnedegar each were credited with an assist.

Germano and Jack Monroe each had an assist.

In the penalty kicks phase that determined the winner, Tachovsky, Hooper, Healy, Hyden, Fair and Eaton each converted, as Laguna didn’t miss a kick.

In the semifinals of consolation play, Laguna outscored Lakewood, 5-3. The Breakers took a 4-2 halftime lead and went on to beat the Lancers to earn the right to play for the consolation title.

Fulton, Healy, Eaton, Hyden and Clausen scored for the Breakers. Assists went to Hyden and Hopper who had two apiece and Monroe and Healy with one each.

Tachovsky and Eaton protected the net this time, each getting a save.

The victory advanced Laguna to the consolation final of the tournament for the second straight year.

In the opening-round loss to Los Alamitos, the Breakers controlled the first half. They hit the post on several occasions yet couldn’t find the net. The Griffins led just 1-0 late in the second half before scoring twice to put the game away. The loss dropped the Breakers into the consolation bracket where they bounced back to beat Warren, 2-1. Tachovsky and Healy scored, Hopper and Fair each had an assist and Germano finished with a pair of saves.

Following today’s league opener with Calvary Chapel, Laguna will host Costa Mesa Wednesday at 6 p.m.