PREP SOCCER ROUNDUP : Mission Viejo Gets the Bounce to Defeat El Toro in South Coast League

From the quality of defense that was being played, it was apparent that only a freak play was going to break the scoreless tie between Mission Viejo and El Toro high schools Friday. And, judging by Mission Viejo’s persistence, it was inevitable that the fortunate bounce would come its way.

The Diablos applied plenty of pressure in the second half and, in the end, it paid off. With six minutes left, George Larsen’s deflection gave them a 1-0 South Coast League victory at El Toro.

“The way the game was going, it was going to take a lucky bounce to win it,” Mission Viejo Coach Cal Foster said. “Fortunately, when we got it, George put it in.”

The Diablos (14-5-1, 5-1 in league) moved the ball well in the second half but had trouble getting good shots. But they finally broke through on a free kick.

From midfield, Ryan Pfeiffer lobbed the ball toward the net, where Frank Pace headed it toward the goal. Goalie Dan Jacobs moved to block the shot, but at the last second Larsen deflected the ball with his head into the net.

“Frank flipped the ball, but he didn’t hit it very hard,” Larsen said. “I think that’s what fooled Jacobs. He was expecting a harder shot. He hesitated and I moved in.”

Larsen’s alert play spoiled what otherwise was a perfect defensive effort by El Toro. The Chargers (5-3-3, 2-2-2) dominated the first half, allowing only two shots.

However, the Diablos’ defense was able to hold tight. El Toro did have some chances, but it was thwarted by the defense and goalie Phil Darke.

Darke made seven saves in shutting out the Chargers for the second time this season.