Ford leads CdM to title

MISSION VIEJO — Brian Ford is a versatile player for the Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer team. He showed that during the South Orange County Classic, playing six positions throughout the tournament.

Yet, it wasn’t until the final match and during the last minute that he appeared to be in the perfect position. His header near the left post went into the net with one minute left to give the Sea Kings a dramatic 2-1 victory over host Mission Viejo for the tournament championship Thursday.

Paul Zubatov launched a great corner kick toward Ford’s running path to sink the Diablos (8-2) and keep CdM perfect this season at 11-0.

“Every corner [kick] we had I was open on the back post,” Ford said. “I was just waiting for it to get to me and it finally got to me and I put it away.”

Ford’s goal helped the Sea Kings overcome adversity. They trailed, 1-0, after Mission Viejo scored in the 13th minute. Plus, CdM was without star striker Reed Williams for the second straight game. The UCLA-bound senior, who has scored 19 goals this season, is nursing a sore hamstring. CdM Coach George Larsen is hoping he’ll be ready when the Sea Kings begin Pacific Coast League play at Laguna Hills Jan. 8.

With Reed out Larsen was definitely pleased to have freshman Jack McBean back in the lineup. He had been playing with his Olympic Development Program team in Florida. He scored the game-winning goal in a Region IV game Wednesday and later caught a flight to Southern California, arriving at night, Larsen said.

Larsen made sure to play McBean. He wanted the Sea Kings to remain undefeated and he wanted to win at his alma mater. Larsen played at Mission Viejo, where he was also a coach.

“I was pleased in that we dealt with some adversity,” Larsen said. “Not having Reed and some other guys out here and knowing that we had to step up in other aspects of the game. Really what made the tournament was scoring seven goals in set pieces. To come back and challenge ourselves at halftime against a really good team on their home field and to come back with two goals like that will give the guys a boost of confidence.”

Even when the Sea Kings trailed the Diablos, they remained confident. They continually attacked and in the second half they took over.

“We knew we had it in us to come back,” Ford said.

Sophomore Jack Gorab started the comeback, scoring in the 64th minute on an indirect free kick. Ford set up the play when he was fouled 23 yards away from the goal. Then Gorab put the ball way with a pretty bender.

The Sea Kings were also helped by the their defense. Goalie Connor Gaal led the way with five saves.