2-A Boys’ Soccer : University City Goalie Talks Way to Semifinal Win

Goalkeeper Chris Haap of University City High School had a shutout going, but he also had a beef with his coach at the half of the 2-A San Diego Section semifinal soccer match against Ramona Wednesday night.

Coach Donaldo Viana wanted to bench Haap in favor of the more experienced Chad Brintzenhoff. But Haap, 15, proved that he’s not just nimble on the field by talking his way back into the match.

And defending champion University City, supposedly beatable this year, proved nimble, too, by dodging Ramona’s second-half attack for a 1-0 victory. That set up a rematch with La Jolla, which University City beat last year for the title, Saturday at 8 p.m. Torrey Pines.

In Tuesday’s second game at Hilltop, La Jolla beat unseeded St. Augustine, 3-0. The Saints ended 14-5-4.

Though Brintzenhoff was University City’s goalie last season and much of this season until an injury, Haap said he belonged in the goal. In no uncertain terms.

“I didn’t see any reason for him to pull me out,” Haap said. “He thought I was getting knocked around. I wasn’t.”

Said Viana: “I had my reasons, and I could see his point. He’s a good goalie. There is a reason why he’s on the (Western Regional) national team for 15-year-olds.”

Haap had plenty of help in gaining his fifth consecutive shutout.

First, seven minutes into the game, Kevin Fay headed in Jimmy Shafer’s pass to give Haap and Co. a lead to protect.

After even play the rest of the half, Ramona, the No. 2 seed, dominated the No. 6-seeded Centurions (15-5-2). But University City’s defenders often pinched off the attacks of Ramona’s forwards.

“We just didn’t get any breaks,” said Bill Pittsford, Ramona’s coach, who said his team deserved a penalty kick on a Derek Drago breakaway and fall.

Pittsford also bemoaned his team’s failure to score when a shot eluded Haap--who admitted he thought the ball would find net--but stayed on the line before fullback John Hawley cleared. In all, that miss typified Ramona’s frustration in being shut out for the first time this year. The team finished 19-4-0.

La Jolla (19-3-4) contrasted Ramona’s inability to complete breakaways. Thirty-five minutes into play, Brian Keefe volley-kicked Ankist Zadeyan’s header, which cleared the goalie, for a 1-0 lead; Trevor Kelly and Chris Baen scored second-half goals.

So La Jolla, which beat and tied University City en route to the City Western title, and University City will meet again.

“Nobody expected University City to be here,” said La Jolla Coach Jerzy Szyndlar, “but they are a good team.”

If any one needs convincing, just ask Chris Haap.

“Actually, I’m dazzled,” Viana said. “The players keep surprising me. I think it’s their desire to win.”