GIRLS’ 4--A SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS : Too Tough to Stop? : West Torrance High Is Looking to End Mission Viejo’s 68-Game Unbeaten Streak

Mission Viejo High School takes a 68-game unbeaten streak into today’s Southern Section 4-A girls’ soccer championship against West Torrance at 6 p.m. at Gahr High School in Cerritos.

“I don’t know if anyone can beat Mission Viejo,” West Torrance Coach Andy Bonchonsky said. “But if there is one who can, I think it’s us.”

In the last two seasons, West Torrance has met Mission Viejo five times. The Warriors’ only victory was in 1986 in the South Torrance Tournament, in which West Torrance won on penalty kicks. Last season, the Diablos eliminated West Torrance in the 4-A quarterfinals on a last-minute goal.

Mission Viejo (25-0-2), the defending 4-A champion, has not lost since the 1985-86 season. That streak had never been seriously threatened until Tuesday, when the Diablos narrowly escaped with a victory in a semifinal game against 10th-ranked Torrance.

In that match, the teams played to a scoreless tie through regulation and two overtime periods. The resulting shootoff ended in a 4-3 sudden-death victory for Mission Viejo, thanks to a save by goalie Tamar deFries and a goal by Stephanie Cox.

Said Torrance Coach Tom Lytle: “We had so many chances to win, I just can’t believe we lost.”

Torrance’s best chance to score occurred when Mission Viejo fullback Sheri Bertell, the center point to the Diablo defense, was ejected with 20 minutes remaining in regulation for arguing with an official. Under Southern Section rules, Bertell will not be allowed to play in today’s final.

Without Bertell, Mission Viejo will need extra help from sweeper Rae Hubocan and deFries.

Julie Foudy, the 1987 4-A offensive player of the year, and Kerri Kennedy lead the Diablo offense.

West Torrance (15-4-6) had an easier time in its semifinal as it shut out Capistrano Valley, 3-0.

West Torrance combines a quick offense with a tenacious, swarming defense. Goalkeeper Carolyn Hueth, a first-team All-Southern Section selection last season, made 17 saves against Capistrano Valley, many on split-second dives.

Hueth, who is helped by stopper Spring Mautino and sweeper Cathy Graham, has shut out 14 opponents and allowed 12 goals this season, but none in the playoffs.

West Torrance’s offense is guided by sophomore forward Teresa Bateman, who leads the team with 17 goals, junior midfielder Jill Henderson and senior left wing Treena Stockton.