SOUTHERN SECTION SOCCER PLAYOFFS : Saves by Gonzalez Lead Alemany Upset

It was almost like old times for Lisa Gonzalez.

The Alemany goalkeeper made 11 saves to lead the Indian Maidens to a 1-0 upset of 16th-ranked Thousand Oaks in the opening game of the Southern Section 3-A playoffs.

Gonzalez, a former catcher for a boys little league team, is skilled at stopping the ball.

“It was instinct, I guess,” Gonzalez said.

And maybe a little nerve.

More than once, Gonzalez risked bodily harm in the line of duty. Late in the first half, Gonzalez dove for the ball in front of the net just as Lisa Horne of Thousand Oaks arrived to make the shot. Gonzalez made the save but caught Horne’s foot in her face.

The sophomore won praise from the other side.

Said Thousand Oaks Coach Gail Kanney: “We’ve scored all during the season on shots we took here. They sure had one tough goalie.”

It was the first time Alemany (18-3-1) has beaten a Marmonte League team in three tries this season. The Golden League champions faced Simi Valley (ranked No. 7) and Royal (ranked No. 2) in preseason and lost both matches.

This one was close to being no different. Thousand Oaks (10-8-2) outshot Alemany, 19-9. But the outstanding play of Gonzalez--coupled with good defensive work by sweeper Adina Cochrane and offensive ball control--made up for a lack of shots on goal.

Alemany scored early in the game on a shot by Shannon Lambert. Lambert, the Indian Maidens’ second-leading scorer with 16 on the season, took a pass from Kelly Cook. With only Thousand Oaks goalkeeper Andrea Maitland in front of her, Lambert wasted no time in firing the close shot.

It was the first playoff appearance for the Lancers, who finished third in Marmonte League with a 5-5-2 record.

Alemany’s future could be a short one. The unranked Indian Maidens will face No. 4 Arcadia in the quarterfinals.

Said Alemany Coach Marcia Takahashi: “They beat us 5-0 in the first round last year. It could have easily been 25-0. They kicked us all over the field.”

Westlake 3, Dominguez 0--Brandt and Eric Wynalda teamed up for two goals to lead Westlake to a 4-A Division playoff victory. Brandt Wynalda assisted Steve Loring on a third goal. Westlake (13-5-4) is ranked No. 16. Dominguez (11-6-0) was ranked No. 17.

Chaminade 1, Mayfair 0--Matt Fee’s goal off a Mike Carnevale assist in the first half was enough to give Chaminade (13-6-2) the 2-A Division playoff victory.

Royal 2, Muir 0--Royal (17-1-5) registered its 13th shutout of the season on scores by Sherri Smith and Traci Hamann. Darleen Dattel assisted in both scores. Royal is ranked No. 2 in the girls 3-A Division.

Simi Valley 4, Troy 2--Patty Gianey scored twice, once in each half, to lead Simi Valley (16-7) to a girls 3-A Division playoff victory. Pam Steuart and Anita Miller each scored for No. 7 ranked Simi Valley.