SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ SOCCER PLAYOFFS : Esperanza Scores Early to Stop Marina

Although Marina dominated Esperanza for 78 minutes, the Aztecs controlled the two minutes that counted.

Esperanza (14-6-1) scored the game’s only goal in the opening two minutes and posted a 1-0 victory over Marina (17-4) in a Southern Section Division 4-A first-round girls’ soccer match Friday at Esperanza High School.

Esperanza advanced to a second-round match against Simi Valley, a 2-0 winner over St. Lucy’s Friday.

Rachelle Mandel headed Kathy Haerle’s free kick into the left corner of the net to give the Aztecs a 1-0 lead in the game’s second minute.

“After we scored that first goal, our whole team just thought defensive,” Esperanza Coach Phyllis Scarborough said. “And with all the back-door runs Marina makes, I was scared.”

Marina had numerous scoring opportunities, finishing with 26 shots on goal. The Vikings also had 10 second-half corner kicks but couldn’t put the ball in the net.

Esperanza goalie Jennifer Bryant had 17 saves to help keep the Vikings at bay. Bryant has played in only seven games this season after recovering from January knee surgery.

Bryant, an honorable mention All-Empire League selection last season, has five shutouts in her six starts this season.