GIRLS’ SOCCER ROUNDUP : Brackett’s Goal Helps Costa Mesa Tie Estancia

Costa Mesa’s Heather Brackett scored on a corner kick with 22 minutes remaining to give the Mustangs a 1-1 tie with Estancia in a Pacific Coast League girls’ soccer game Thursday at Costa Mesa High.

Brackett’s goal came when Estancia goalkeeper Beth Ferryman drifted into the goal after making an over-the-shoulder catch on the corner kick.

On the play, Ferryman thought the ball went out of bounds in the air before re-entering the field of play, but Brackett said the ball did the opposite, curving toward the goal causing Ferryman’s momentum to carry her past the goal line.

“It’s a disappointing way to have a game decided,” Ferryman said.

The game would not have been as close if it hadn’t been for Mustang goalkeeper Sara Ackelson, who made 16 saves, many on uncontested shots from close range.

The defending league champion Eagles (9-5-4, 3-1-2) scored when Whitney Gilliam took a corner kick from Tracie Manz and scored her first goal of the season 15 minutes into the game.

For most of the game, Costa Mesa (7-2-5, 2-1-3) was backpedaling in its defensive zone as Estancia used an effective passing game to keep pressure on Ackelson.

“Our whole season has consisted of playing solid defense and counterpunching,” Costa Mesa Coach Dan Johnston said. “Last season we lost a lot of games, 1-0, but this season our counterattack and good goalkeeping have kept us in every game.

“And this is our first winning season in the four years we’ve had a program.”