Mustangs fall on Day’s return, 1-0

The return of Eugene Day to the soccer field wasn’t enough to help

the Costa Mesa High Mustangs’ boys soccer team win its first game of

the season Wednesday. Mesa (0-14-1, 0-7-0 in the Golden West League)

fell to host Santa Ana, 1-0, on a goal by Rene Candelas in the 20th

minute off a free kick of about 25 yards. The Saints’ win spoiled

Day’s return to the sidelines following a 40-day hiatus.

Costa Mesa High officials reluctantly suspended the coach Dec. 6

for 40 days for violating CIF rule 24:2411, which states: “No member

of a school’s athletic staff shall “organize, sponsor or coach a

soccer team outside the season of soccer, during the school year, in

which students with remaining eligibility at that school are

participating.”

Day is the father of senior Sharon Day and freshman Jasmin Day,

who are both on the Mustangs’ girls soccer team. The sisters have

been members of the Gold Coast Extreme Soccer Club, coached by their

father.

“It was OK,” said Day of his return Wednesday. “We need to do some

more passing. We weren’t getting (the ball) to the open player 75% of

the time.”

Sweeper Benjamin Elias held Santa Ana to just one goal with strong

defense and Willmer Hernandez made seven saves in goal.

“Individually I can see some growth,” said Day when asked if he’s

noticed any changes in the team during his absence. “It comes down to

playing together and we don’t understand that part yet. We should win

a few games by the end of the season. There’s definitely a lot of

talent.”

Costa Mesa hosts Saddleback Friday at 3 p.m.

Corona del Mar routs University, 5-0

IRVINE -- The Corona del Mar High boys soccer team stayed perfect

in the Pacific Coast League, trouncing host University, 5-0,

Wednesday to extend its winning streak to four games.

Coach Pat Callaghan’s Sea Kings (10-4-2, 3-0-0 in league) had

goals from juniors Jerritt Thayer, Danny Whitaker, Julien Cerutti and

Dominic Rubino, as well as sophomore Ajay Sahni.

Sophomore Brandon Barrett contributed two assists for the winners,

who assumed a 2-0 halftime lead, then poured it on in the final 40

minutes.

“We played a real good second half,” said Callaghan, who wanted to

single out his top defenders for their sterling performance.

“Blake Dillion and Shane Collins, both center defenders, did a

great job getting us settled and just really seemed to be the two

guys who kept things going,” Callaghan said. “And they’ve been doing

it all season.”

Goalie Phil Stemler had three saves to record the shutout,

including a diving stop of a half-volley directed just inside one

goalpost, Callaghan said.

Callaghan also credited the midfield play of Thayer, particularly

his defense.

The Sea Kings visit Calvary Chapel Friday, before completing the

first round of league play against fellow PCL title contender

Northwood, Jan. 29 at CdM.

Tars, Hawks deadlock in Sea View duel

NEWPORT BEACH -- The Newport Harbor High boys soccer team took a

lead into the second half Wednesday night against Sea View League

visitor Laguna Hills, but was forced to settle for a 1-1 tie.

Junior Joel Walker put the hosts on top with the lone Newport

goal, but the Hawks found the net after intermission.

Newport dominated play, but could not capture the victory. The

Sailors return to league action Friday, when they visit Woodbridge at

Alton Park.