Laguna Hills Defeats Brea in Overtime

Rob Nichols got the goal, but it was Pat Richards who made it happen for the Laguna Hills High School boys’ soccer team Friday.

Richards, a senior midfielder, set up Nichols’ goal early in the first overtime period, as Laguna Hills defeated Brea-Olinda, 2-1, at Brea to advance to the semifinals of the Southern Section 2-A playoffs.

Laguna Hills will play Tuesday against Laguna Beach, which beat the Hawks three times during Pacific Coast League play.

Richards, who had scored a goal earlier in the match, penetrated the Brea defense seven minutes into overtime. Richards’ shot was blocked by goalie Brian Hester, but the ball rolled to Nichols, who scored into an open net.

“Richards was the difference in the game--first with his goal then by getting behind our zone (defense),” Brea-Olinda Coach Manny Toledo said.

Richards scored 36 minutes into the first half on a free kick from 25 yards. Laguna Hills (15-7-2) led, 1-0, at halftime.

Brea-Olinda (11-6-2) tied the score early in the second half. J.R. Ochs took a pass in front of the net from Matt Swindle and beat goalie Devon Casagranda. Brea had several opportunities to take the lead, but it was turned away by Casagranda, who had 13 saves. Hester had 13 saves for Brea.

“In the second half we had two very good opportunities,” Toledo said. “J.R. and Jaysn Ochs both had wide shots.”