SOUTH COAST LEAGUE GIRLS’ SOCCER : El Toro, Mission Viejo All Tied Up Again

Entering the girls’ soccer game Thursday between El Toro and Mission Viejo high schools, the top two ranked teams in the Southern Section Division 4-A, the teams had played to ties in their past three games over two seasons.

Although El Toro dominated play, matters still hadn’t been settled after a 1-1 tie in the South Coast League game at Mission Viejo.

“I still think El Toro has the class team,” Mission Viejo Coach Jim Dutton said. “When El Toro is playing El Toro’s game, there is no one that can beat them.”

But this week, both opponents were at least able to tie the Chargers, the defending 4-A champions. Dana Hills tied the Chargers, 3-3, Tuesday.

El Toro Coach Kerry Krause said ties are common in the South Coast, a league so competitive that last season the top three teams advanced to the semifinals of the divisional playoffs.

Early in Thursday’s game, it appeared as if the Chargers (17-0-2, 0-0-2 in league) would be able to avoid the tie. Senior midfielder Shawn Viloria scored her 26th goal of the season on a shot from about 35 yards. Viloria’s shot sailed over the outstretched hands of Mission Viejo goalkeeper Karajean Stevenson about a minute into the game.

Viloria nearly scored again about 25 minutes into the half. Her head shot off a corner kick by Lesli Steinert got past the Diablo goalie, but it was knocked away by sweeper Sheryl Ralph.

El Toro’s offense never relented, taking 11 shots in the half. Mission Viejo took only one, a direct kick by Jill Florey that was easily stopped.

El Toro controlled play in the second half--outshooting Mission Viejo, 12-5--but Mission Viejo (9-0-5, 0-0-2) created a few of its own opportunities.

On two occasions midway through the half, the ball bounced free near the goalie box. Once, the Charger goalkeeper was able to make the save, but with 13 minutes remaining, Dori Lee sneaked through a shot.

El Toro’s offense, which had seemed to lose steam before the goal, picked up the pace in the final minutes, but the Chargers were unable to get anything past Stevenson, who had 12 saves.