PREP SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES : Girls’ 3-A : Esperanza Meets Buena for the Title

There were many coaches who doubted John Coppage’s move last May when he switched from coaching boys’ to girls’ soccer at Esperanza High School.

Coppage, who was 109-6-10 in four years as the Esperanza boys’ coach, left the program when the girls’ position became available. Coppage led the Aztec boys to four Empire League titles in four years, as well as the Southern Section 3-A championship in 1986 and the title game in 1987.

Still, many thought Coppage too aggressive and too demanding to coach girls effectively.

They were wrong, of course, as Esperanza (23-1-2), the second-seeded team in the 3-A division, has advanced to today’s championship match, where it will meet Buena at 4 p.m. at Gahr High School in Cerritos.

Buena (20-4-1) started its program only last year. Still, the Bulldogs finished 14-3-4 last season and were eliminated in the playoffs by eventual champion San Gorgonio--on penalty kicks.

This season, Buena, ranked eighth, has managed many impressive victories, including its second-round upset of top-seeded Simi Valley and its semifinal upset of Laguna Hills last Friday.

“Buena is just playing fabulous ball right now, that’s all there is to it,” said Mark Johnson, Simi Valley coach and Southern Section 3-A girls’ soccer coordinator. “They’re playing on a very emotional high.”

But, as are many coaches, Johnson is favoring Esperanza.

“I just don’t know if Buena has the offensive punch to break through Esperanza’s defense,” he said. “But mostly, it comes down to John Coppage’s playoff experience. He’s been there and that’s a huge advantage. I say Esperanza by a goal.”

The Aztecs are very aggressive, physical and fast. They are young--10 of the 18 players are sophomores--but many have gained experience from years of club soccer participation.

Esperanza’s strength is its defense, one that could tie a Southern Section record of fewest goals allowed in a season today.

The Aztecs would have to shut out Buena to tie the Southern Section mark of five, established last season by Laguna Hills.

Esperanza, which has shut out 22 opponents this season, could also tie the Southern Section record for shutouts in a season. Laguna Hills set the record last season.

Colleen Gamblin, a senior sweeper, and Tymerie Busser, a sophomore goalkeeper, lead the swarming Esperanza defense.

The Aztec offense, led by Maria De La Torre, Linda Lunceford and Kristi Aubachon, plays a swift, counter-attacking game.

Buena, also a fine counter-attacking team, is led by senior forwards Trisha Kimble (31 goals, 14 assists) and Patty Levias (24 goals, 12 assists).

The Bulldog defense--led by sophomore sweeper Kim Maher--has shut out 11 opponents and allowed 24 goals.

Los Alamitos, the last team to score a goal against Esperanza, lost to Buena in the second round two weeks ago. Griffin Coach Leonard Lopez said the championship game may be a toss-up.

“Buena’s strength is in its midfield,” Leonard said. “But Esperanza’s always been scary (in that) it’s fast, confident and aggressive. Buena has the edge in its counter-attack, but Esperanza is stronger in the air . . .

“I think it’s just going to be a matter of who takes advantage of its opportunities the best.”