SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION 4-A GIRLS’ SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP : Unbeaten El Toro Is Cream of Crop

El Toro girls’ soccer Coach Kerry Krause might have struck a retaliatory blow for drenched coaches everywhere--with a can of whipped cream.

After being doused with a bucket of ice water after El Toro’s 3-1 victory over Simi Valley in the Southern Section Division 4-A title game Friday at Gahr High School, Krause went after those responsible with the pressurized can of cream.

All part of a celebration that many had conceded would be El Toro’s from the first days of the season. The Chargers (29-0-2), who won the title last season by defeating Dana Hills, 1-0, in overtime, were the top-ranked 4-A team throughout this season. Except for one week in early January when they were tied by South Coast League rivals Dana Hills and Mission Viejo, the Chargers’ record was spotless.

Despite its strong play, high ranking and championships of the Ocean View and Cerritos tournaments, El Toro seemed to be playing even better in the playoffs, outscoring its opponents, 16-0, in the first three rounds.

Although Simi Valley (24-3-1) broke through with a goal late in the second half, the trend continued Friday. Simi Valley, third-seeded and champion of the Marmonte League, was outmatched from the beginning. El Toro so dominated play early that the Pioneers were able to get off only two shots by halftime, each from more than 30 yards.

Simi Valley had so few chances at the goal because El Toro was controlling play on each end of the field.

Shawna Berke scored seven minutes into the game for El Toro after taking a crossing pass from Shannon deAvila. Although El Toro had a number of other chances to score, it would be the Chargers’ only goal of the half.

A 1-0 lead appeared good enough for the championship for El Toro, which had 21 shutouts this season, third most in Southern Section history. But 16 minutes into the second half, Shawn Viloria headed in a corner kick by Berke to give the Chargers a 2-0 lead. It was Viloria’s 40th goal of the season and Berke’s 23rd assist.

“That was my goal to score 40, win CIF and league,” said Viloria, wiping away the celebratory whipped cream. “I didn’t think I would make 40. I didn’t want to end on 39. It seemed like a lame number.”

Ten minutes later Viloria assisted on a goal by Kelly Thomson that effectively put the game out of reach. Simi Valley’s Liz Albin scored with about three minutes remaining to foil the shutout.

It was a minor defensive lapse in an otherwise flawless El Toro victory, which extended the Chargers’ unbeaten streak to 39 games.

“Everybody got a taste of it,” Krause said. “Everybody’s happy. They have to be happy with the result. It was a terrific performance. I don’t know what could have been better.”

Krause, in his first season at El Toro after replacing Bob Chavez, downplayed his impact on the team, which he called the best girls’ high school team he has seen.

“The only smart thing I did tonight was bring a change of clothes,” said Krause.