San Clemente Stops No. 1 Corona del Mar

Phinney Gardner scored on a penalty shot with 19 seconds remaining as San Clemente knocked off top-ranked Corona del Mar, 8-7, at Saddleback College.

Gardner had a game-high four goals for the Tritons, ranked third in Orange County.

San Clemente (6-2) was able to avenge a loss to the Sea Kings Friday in the quarterfinals of the South Coast Tournament.

“I had a talk with the kids and I told them I was not happy with the way they were playing,” Triton Coach Steve Yancey said. “I’m happy with how the kids played. They hung in there well.”

Corona del Mar (7-1) tied the score, 5-5, early in the fourth quarter on a goal by Crosby Grant. Marc Staudenbaur scored to give the Tritons a brief lead before Grant tied the score again, 6-6.

The Tritons regained the lead when Gardner scored, but the Sea Kings tied it again on a goal by Adam McFarland. The scored remained tied until McFarland committed the foul that gave the Tritons the penalty shot.