HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS : Bucciarelli’s Goal Defeats Chatsworth : Girls’ City 4-A: Grant striker scores her 48th in Lancers’ 1-0 victory.

Grant High’s Nicole Bucciarelli scored in the 26th minute and the Lancers held on to beat Chatsworth, 1-0, Saturday in the City Section Division 4-A championship match at East Los Angeles College.

In the seven-year history of girls’ City soccer, Grant and Chatsworth are the only teams to win titles. The Lancers have won the last two, while the Chancellors were winners of the first five.

“Their offense is very skilled, but our defense played with a lot of heart and muscle,” said Grant sweeper Marrica Pichaikul, who shouted instructions and inspired teammates. “They controlled the ball on the ground, and we knew we had to take it away.”

Early on, the contest featured key matchups at each end of the field. Pichaikul and Chatsworth’s star forward Denise Paul battled near the Lancers’ goal, while Chancellors’ sweeper Kim Pickup shut down Bucciarelli, who led City players this season with 48 goals.

With Bucciarelli smothered and midfielders Melinda, Michelle and Pamela George racing about and creating offensive opportunities, Chatsworth (17-2-1) had the upper hand.

But in the span of six minutes, things changed dramatically.

Pickup and Grant defender Trisha Tomono each received yellow-card warnings for rough play after scuffling in the 19th minute. Six minutes later, Pickup tangled with Bucciarelli as the two competed for a loose ball and kicked at her after play had stopped, drawing a second yellow card and an automatic ejection.

Grant (18-3-1) wasted no time taking advantage of Pickup’s absence.

Grant center midfielder Jamie Mond took a free kick 50 yards from the Chancellors’ goal, bouncing it into a crowd of players in the penalty area. Leaping above Chatsworth goalie Tawni Takagi, Bucciarelli headed the ball into the net.