Buena Park’s Penrod Leads North All-Star Soccer Victory

Buena Park High School’s Keith Penrod wasn’t named the Orange County soccer player of the year, but he proved to be the best offensive player in Saturday night’s county senior all-star game at Chapman College.

Penrod scored two goals, one in each half, to lead the North team to a 2-1 victory over the East.

Penrod, who was named to the Times’ second-team all-county squad, opened the scoring with a nifty header on a pass from Mater Dei’s Tony Castillo 22 minutes into the game.

His second score, at the 66-minute mark, was the result of hard work. It also was due to a little bit of luck as he admitted later.

Penrod gained control of the ball after a scramble for it to the left of the goal. And with players strewn in the penalty box, Penrod poked it in the net.

“I got it before the defender got there and just banged it in,” Penrod said.

After Penrod’s second goal made it 2-0, the East seemed to let down for a time.

It didn’t last long, however, as Mike Phillips of Foothill scored from a tough angle on the right side of the goal five minutes later.

Phillips’ shot went into the upper corner of the net, just out of the reach of leaping goalie Erik Smith of Rancho Alamitos.

The North maintained its composure, however, and was able to withstand the East challenge. The North seemed to work better together as a team, which was surprising since it had only practiced twice (Tuesday and Thursday) before the game.

“We worked inside on Tuesday and the main thing was to get to know names,” said North Coach Gerald Grenian of Rancho Alamitos.

And after Saturday night’s victory, Penrod’s teammates will not forget his name.

In other boys’ all-star action:

West 0, South 0--The West dominated offensively, but failed to click on a number of good chances. Jorge Cruz and Wilfredo Campos, both of Estancia, had excellent opportunities to score. Campos booted a high, hard shot that deflected through the hands of goalkeeper Nick Miles of Capistrano Valley Christian, sailing just wide. The South’s best chance came on a free kick late in the game by University’s Joe Noyes. Lance Wulterin of Edison tipped the shot over the goal, however.

In girls’ action:

North 2, South 1--Shelly Trimble of Troy scored in the 84th minute to break a 1-1 tie. Cypress’ Carol Bradley scored eight minutes into the game to give the North a 1-0 lead. Kim Owen of Huntington Beach scored the South’s goal at the 17-minute mark of the half.