CdM edges Dons

CHULA VISTA — Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Gaal and senior midfielder Brian Ford stepped up in high-pressure situations to lead the Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer team to victory Tuesday.

Gaal made a huge save against the extra shooter in a penalty-kick shootout, and Ford netted the game-winner for a 5-4 victory over Castle Park in the first round of the CIF Southern California Division II Regional Championships. The score was tied, 2-2, at the end of regulation.

CdM (25-1-1), which won its 13th straight game, will play against JSerra in the semifinals Thursday, scheduled for 4 p.m. JSerra will be the host of the match at a site to be determined today. The Lions (25-4-1) defeated Cathedral Catholic, 3-2, at St. Margaret’s.

To advance, the Sea Kings responded from one-goal deficits in each half.

“They really jumped on us,” Sea Kings Coach George Larsen said. “We were sluggish at first. They had a lot of energy. They had a great crowd. You can tell this game was really important to them.”

The Dons (17-5-5) scored in the 31st minute. Sophomore Jack Gorab answered for the Sea Kings seven minutes later on a bending free kick from about 30 yards out.

But four minutes into the second half, Castle Park went ahead again, 2-1. Larsen said he adjusted his formation, putting three forwards up top. In the 53rd minute, Ryan Kontra connected for the equalizer, putting it in with his left foot. Gorab assisted.

The rest of regulation, as well as the 15-minute overtime period, featured plenty of action with each team coming close on scoring chances, Larsen said.

Castle Park had two point-blank chances that sailed wide. Kontra had a header hit the post.

CdM senior Reed Williams, who has 29 goals, attempted the first shot in the penalty-kick shootout, but the Dons’ goalie stopped it. Gaal, who had five saves, stuffed Castle Park’s third attempt.

Gorab, Greg Allen, Jack McBean and Mason Case made goals, as the score was tied, 4-4, after the five attempts allotted.

Gaal was determined to make up for allowing what he called a soft goal in the second half, said Larsen, who gave his players strong words during halftime.

“[The Dons] had signs along the road from the moment we got off the freeway,” Larsen said. “There were signs, ‘Sea Kings who?’ and ‘CdM’ crossed out. I told [the Sea Kings], ‘These guys are calling you out. Let’s have a response. If we’re going to go out, let’s go out swinging.’ A lot of respect was shown from both teams, though. It was a great finish to the game.”

— From staff reports