Sunset League Soccer : Marina Still First After Overtime Victory Over Westminster

The Marina High School boys’ soccer team hung on to its narrow lead in the Sunset League with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in overtime Wednesday at Westminster.

Sophomore Ricky Rodriguez scored on an assist by Darrin Fishman early into the second overtime period to give the Vikings the victory. It keeps Marina (12-8-1, 6-1-0) a game ahead of Fountain Valley in the race for the league championship.

Marina trailed, 1-0, at halftime and struggled throughout the game. The Vikings played without starting fullback Mike Lapper and midfielder Mike Sandel, both benched because of red cards received in last Friday’s victory over Ocean View.

“When you take two strong players out of the game, it has to have an effect on the game,” said Marina Coach Dave McLeish. “Lapper provides a lot of intensity out there.”

Marina fell behind when Westminster’s Mike Fitzpatrick shot, and a Marina player accidentally knocked the ball in for the Westminster score at the end of the first half.

Fishman tied the game 20 minutes into the second half on an assist by Keith Martin. It was Fishman’s 11th goal of the season.

A second Fishman goal, near the end of regulation, was called back because of a foul.

Marina goalie Dave Buehring had three saves, and Joe Luera had 14 for Westminster (3-9-2, 0-5-2).

Fountain Valley 2, Edison 1--Scott Holt’s overtime penalty kick gave Fountain Valley (11-5-3, 5-2-0) the victory at Edison. Marc Merli scored for Fountain Valley, and Shane Deullo scored for Edison in the first half.

Goalie Tim Morenc had 10 saves for Fountain Valley. Mike Jurikc had five for Edison (4-2-1 in league play).

Huntington Beach 4, Ocean View 3--Shawn Bruckler scored three second-half goals as the Oilers (9-10-3, 2-4-1) came from behind at Ocean View.

Eric Viamonte scored in the first half for Huntington Beach, but Nelson Rodriguez scored twice, and Marc Rosen added another goal to give Ocean View (2-5 in league play) a 3-1 lead midway through the second half.

In goal, James Acton had 11 saves for Huntington Beach, and Eric Anderson had 7 for Ocean View.