Estancia’s version of Kobe delivers

LAGUNA BEACH — The name “Kobe” is on the back of the Estancia High goalkeeper’s jersey.

Kobe is not the keeper’s first, middle or last name.

Because of this the opposition gives Jose Castrejon a hard time. Castrejon plays soccer and not basketball, the sport with the most famous Kobe in the world.

Castrejon tried his best Kobe Bryant impersonation at Laguna Beach Wednesday night.

Kobe Bryant is known for delivering game-winning shots for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Castrejon made clutch saves and recorded his first shutout in the Eagles’ 1-0 victory, keeping them tied for first place in the Orange Coast League.

Castrejon said he felt his gloves would be the difference for Estancia (10-1-5, 2-0-1 in league), ranked No. 4 in the CIF Southern Section Division IV coaches’ poll.

Someone else knew of Castrejon’s prediction before his teammates found out.

“I promised my mom no goals,” Castrejon said.

Castrejon made the most of the start, finishing with eight saves. He isn’t always guaranteed to be the Eagles’ starting keeper.

In practice, he and Edgar Vega battle for playing time. Both are strong keepers and have played significant roles in Estancia remaining unbeaten in its last seven matches.

Castrejon and one goal handed the Breakers their first league loss.

Laguna Beach (7-2-7, 0-1-2) fell behind in the 27th minute on some beautiful passing.

Estancia fullback Aran Antunez delivered a pass up the Laguna Beach sideline to a running Jesus Garcia. A couple of dribbles later, the striker sent a cross to striker Jorge Olivas in the box.

Olivas smoothly deflected the shot off his right foot, easily beating keeper Alec Williams to his left.

Olivas described Garcia’s pass as “perfect.”

The rest of the way, the Eagles’ defense didn’t allow the taller Breakers to beat them in the air.

Estancia kept the ball on the ground to its advantage. With the help of seniors Rony Argueta and Jose Garcia, the Eagles controlled the midfield.

Coach Gannon Burks was glad to see Garcia contribute against the Breakers. The last time Garcia started against Laguna Beach was early on last season, when he hurt his lower back in an ugly collision.

Hurting Garcia more was seeing Laguna Beach take two matches from the Eagles that season.

Garcia acknowledged that the injury set him back. He never was the same player.

The Eagles were still able to win their second straight league championship. With a healthy Garcia, Estancia is the league favorite.

“It was very important,” Burks said of seeing Garcia regain his confidence. “That’s why we started him this game.”

Look for Garcia to be in the starting lineup on Friday, when Estancia meets Calvary Chapel in a vital league match at Orange Coast College at 3:15 p.m.

The two programs are tied for first place. This marks their first meeting of the season. Last season, Estancia swept the three-match series.

Teams only play twice this season with Godinez joining the league in its first year with a varsity club.

Godinez has been the lone team Estancia has been able to score more than one goal against in its last five matches.

The team can afford to rely on its defense and keeper.

The Breakers found out the Eagles aren’t a one-dimensional team. They peppered Castrejon with quality shots toward the end of the first half.

The first stop came on a direct free kick from 25 yards out. Castrejon shoved Tommy Hopper’s blast straight up in the air.

The defense quickly kicked it out of trouble.

A minute later, Castrejon dove to his right, blocking out a shot before it snuck by him near the post.

“I did what I had to do,” said Castrejon, sounding like Kobe Bryant after coming through in a close contest. “He’s my inspiration. I know he plays basketball, but I look up to him.”

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at david.carrillo@latimes.com.