Laguna makes up for earlier loss

The Laguna Beach girls’ soccer team played shutout ball Tuesday in its Orange Coast League encounter with visiting Calvary Chapel and scored a 2-0 victory over the Eagles at Guyer Field.

It was the first league win for the Breakers, who improved to 1-1-2 in league action.

The win also atoned for a 2-1 defeat against Calvary Chapel on Jan. 10.

The triumph also keeps the Breakers in the thick of the race for the league title with five matches remaining.

Laguna controlled the match from the start. They took 12 shots, passed sharply to gain control of midfield and goalie Lura Hills came up with three saves.

The shutout victory was the result of “hard work” by the Laguna defense, Coach Bill Rolfing said.

That defense is anchored by veterans Claire Rubel and Holden Penney.

Jessee Goodman and Tasha Cherpas covered the flank. Courtney Capobianco provided valuable attack from a forward position with Kaylee Reese, and Maddy Arterburn gave support off the bench.

Laguna cracked the scoreboard at the 30th minute when a passing combination that included five Breakers ended when Capobianco threaded a pass to Laura Renault, and Renault slipped the ball past the Calvary Chapel keeper to give Laguna a 1-0 lead at the half.

The Eagles played Laguna tough in the second half but in the 65th minute, Nikki Clark worked the ball to a streaking Capobianco, who went deep into Calvary Chapel territory then dribbled past two Eagles defenders and lofted a narrow-angled 20-yard shot into the far-upper corner of the goal for a 2-0 lead.

In a previous league match on Jan. 17, Laguna and Estancia played to a 1-1 tie at Estancia. Capobianco scored a first-half goal to give Laguna a 1-0 lead at the half and Hills recorded six saves.