GIRLS’ SOCCER PREVIEW : Path to Southern Section 4-A, 3-A Titles Must Cross Ventura County Line

Any team with championship aspirations in the Southern Section 4-A or 3-A divisions likely will have to become familiar with the Ventura County line.

Contenders in the 4-A can anticipate a match-up with Simi Valley or Royal highs, cross-town Marmonte League rivals. Second-ranked Simi Valley, which lost to Capistrano Valley, 4-3, in overtime in the 4-A championship match last season, has reached the final in three of the past seven seasons. Seventh-ranked Royal, meanwhile, has reached either the quarterfinals or semifinals six times in the same span.

But teams in the 3-A face the least enviable route to a championship. Agoura--located just to the east of the Ventura County line--is shooting for its fifth consecutive title. In addition, the Chargers broke a Southern Section record earlier this month, extending their string of unbeaten matches to 85, a streak that spans five seasons.

Prior to a 1-1 tie against Simi Valley at the start of this season, Agoura had won 46 consecutive matches. The Chargers won three 2-A titles before moving up to win the 3-A title last year, outscoring opponents, 170-6, along the way.

After Agoura defeated Anaheim Canyon, 2-0, for its fourth title in five years under Coach Dave Godwin, the popular mentor resigned to go back to school and earn a teaching credential. Godwin’s assistant, Don Hagenburger, took over, but nine games into this season Godwin asked to come back.

To the fortune of Agoura and the misfortune of the 3-A competition, Godwin was not able to get the classes he needed at Cal Lutheran. So, the coach with a career record of 130-7-9 returned.

The Chargers, 7-0-2 under Hagenburger, have won their first three games with Godwin back and seem even more likely to fulfill Hagenburger’s preseason prediction. “To be honest, I think we can win two more championships,” Hagenburger said. “I know that sounds cocky but our team has the talent.”

Coaches at Agoura, Simi Valley and Royal credit the strength of their programs to exceptional community support and youth club teams that infuse their programs with talented players with well-developed individual skills.

“By the time they get to high school, most of my players have been playing for eight or 10 years,” Royal Coach Kevin Corley said. “They already have developed soccer skills so I’m able to focus on tactics.”

Fourteen players on Agoura’s team have played together for 10 years on the Las Virgenes club team, claiming three state titles. They won the Western region championship in the 12-and-under age group in 1985 and have competed in approximately 40 tournaments, building friendships by staying together at hotels for days at a time. Now, Charger supporters frequently outnumber the home crowds during away matches.

“Without even looking, some of our players can pass the ball to the exact location where another player is,” Hagenburger said.

Corley, who said that 80% of his players compete on two different club teams in Simi Valley, believes that Agoura passes the ball well because of cohesiveness. “Most high school teams just kick the ball around and chase it, but Agoura has great teamwork,” he said.

The Agoura players acknowledge the feeling of community that exists.

“The whole team is like best friends,” said Sunday Dizzazo, a striker for the Chargers. “We probably know each other better than our moms. You can talk about anything, from boyfriend to school problems, to anyone on the team.”

That ability to openly communicate with each other is also evident on the soccer field. “We get along so well that you can tell a teammate they are doing something wrong and she won’t get mad at you,” said halfback Noelle Hagenburger, the coach’s daughter.

No coach can complain about such advantages--or such talented players. Striker Heidi Walters and sweeper Geri Kemaya and stopper Annette Noel join Dizzazo and Hagenburger to form the core.

“I don’t think any other high school benefits from a club team as we do,” Don Hagenburger said. “It’s an incredible good fortune.”

Other teams to watch:

Royal--The defending Marmonte League champion must hold off archrival Simi Valley to win another league title. Striker Staci Bough, last season’s leading scorer, routinely draws double coverage, and sweeper Stevie Campbell has scored from 45 yards.

Simi Valley--The Pioneers, 4-A runners-up last season, will rely on a strong defense to try to unseat Royal. Simi Valley recorded 17 shutouts last season and fullbacks Tammy Kauffman, Missy Fiala and Christine Spencer return along with sweeper Shannon Cunningham and goalie Kim Durand. All-Southern Section halfback Michele Light sparks the offense.

Moorpark--The Musketeers, another strong Ventura County team, have won four Tri-Valley League titles in the past seven seasons. Sweeper Michelle Pelton, the league MVP last season, and goalie Christi Thomas lead a strong defense. The offense will rely on all-league striker Ann Middleton.

Chaminade--The Eagles jumped out of the gate this season with nine wins in 11 matches, and defeated Alemany, 2-1, in the Simi Valley tournament. Goalie Kathy Regan has recorded six shutouts behind a defense led by sweeper Katie Crespo and sophomore halfbacks Natalie Dill and Lea Stankevick. Striker Carla Coppa is the school’s career scoring leader.

Westlake--The Warriors finished in the Marmonte League cellar last season, but opposing coaches note vast improvement. Four-year starter Joanne Chodd leads the defense at stopper. Other top players include freshman goalie Audrey Mixmifield and sophomore Anita Priedkalns.

Chatsworth--The defending City Section 4-A champion has allowed only one goal--to Agoura--in four matches and defeated Grant, 5-0, in a rematch of last season’s City finalists. Led by juniors Kris Bassler, Kim Constantino, Heather Gorman and Karen Ogasawana, the Chancellors should be in the championship hunt for the next two seasons.

Alemany--The defending San Fernando Valley League champion must blend many newcomers into its lineup. All-Southern Section striker Robyn Renaud returns along with Kerri Cook, Cami Tubbs and Michelle Buch.