CdM blanks Mesa before big road trip

COSTA MESA — Corona del Mar High girls’ soccer coach Bryan Middleton was hoping to rely on his team’s depth so that he could rest key players in anticipation for an important weekend ahead.

Some youth and experience helped answer the coach’s wishes. Freshman Scarlett Fallon and senior Lexi Hensen each scored goals to lead the Sea Kings to a 2-0 nonleague win over host Costa Mesa Tuesday.

Natalie Remdonski, who was called up from the junior varsity team, made the most of her playing time and contributed to the win, Middleton said.

Corona del Mar sophomore Corey Cano recorded five saves for the shutout.

“I was trying to keep everyone fresh,” said Middleton, whose team improved to 5-3-1. “I wanted to save them for this big weekend.”

Corona del Mar will play in the Tri-Valley Invitational in Walnut Creek this weekend. The Sea Kings will play four matches during the three-day tournament. Middleton said the team’s flight up north leaves on Thursday.

“We wanted to try something different,” Middleton said. “We’re young. I wanted to get a positive experience.”

Before the trip, Middleton’s program will get a visit from U.S. national team member Shannon Boxx, who is a friend of Middleton’s. Boxx, a midfielder on the U.S. women’s team that won the gold medal in 2004, scored eight goals and set up five more in 32 national team matches.

She will practice and train with the girls’ junior varsity team and then the varsity girls, perhaps motivating them before they compete in the Tri-Valley Invitational.

— From staff reports