PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE SOCCER : Laguna Hills Plays 0-0 Tie; League Title Still Undecided

Laguna Hills was hoping to wrap up the Pacific Coast League boys’ soccer title Wednesday.

But thanks to an aggressive defense from Trabuco Hills--and a cross bar--the Hawks had to settle for inching a bit closer.

Showing off a strong defense of their own, the Hawks played a 0-0 tie with Trabuco Hills to move within a game of the league title. First-place Laguna Hills is 6-0-3 in the league with a game remaining Friday at Canyon. Trabuco Hills, which had another scoreless tie with Laguna Hills this season, is 6-1-2 in league. The Mustangs close out the season Friday at Costa Mesa.

With the tie, a Laguna Hills victory or a Trabuco Hills loss Friday will give the Hawks the title.

After Wednesday’s game, Trabuco Hills Coach John Kane conceded the crown to the Hawks.

“It’s over,” said Kane, who partially blamed officiating for his team’s inability to score Wednesday. “This was our last chance.”

Laguna Hills had plenty of chances to score. Four times the Hawks were stopped on outstanding saves by Trabuco Hills freshman goalkeeper Todd Abdalla. Three other times, shots by the Hawks bounced off the cross bar.

“That was pretty exciting 0-0 game,” Hawk Coach Scott Johnson said. “We wanted to get the win. But the tie helps.”

Trabuco Hills had spurts of intense pressure. Hawks’ goalkeeper Mike Messinger made four saves to set a single-season school record for shutouts at 13.

“We would have loved to have won it on our home field,” said Messinger. “Our defense played great. Now we have to win Friday. It’s the biggest game of the year.”