Playing the Favorite, Mater Dei Pounds Diablos in Soccer

The Mater Dei girls’ soccer team made its intention to win a third consecutive South Coast League title clear during a 3-1 victory over host Mission Viejo on Thursday, and afterward Monarch Coach Austin Sharp made his opinion clear.

“I’m really glad that we’re not, let’s see--how did you put it--’league favorites,’ ” Sharp said to a reporter after the game.

He then walked over to his players and asked loudly, “I think we’re league favorites, do you think we’re league favorites?”

The Monarchs’ answer was a resounding, “Yes!”

Mater Dei is ranked No. 7 in the Orange County coaches’ poll, behind league rivals Capistrano Valley, ranked No. 2, and Mission Viejo, ranked No. 5.

But the Monarchs defeated the Cougars, 5-1, Tuesday and also dominated the Diablos Thursday to remain the only undefeated team in the league.

Mater Dei, 13-3-2 overall, 4-0-1 in league, consistently beat Mission Viejo to the ball and attacked with wave after wave of well-executed plays. The Monarchs also were able to send long, penetrating passes through the Diablo defense and their midfielders made savvy runs to make the most of the opportunities.

“We play soccer. The ball is on the floor, we’re knocking the ball around and that’s the style we want to play,” Sharp said.

Key to the Mater Dei offense was Katie Ticehurst, who assisted Sara Stratton on the Monarchs’ first goal in the 13th minute. Ticehurst then scored in the 25th and 38th minute to give Mater Dei a 3-0 lead at halftime.

“We knew that this team was very good but we needed to find a true scorer and [Ticehurst] has stepped up really well,” Sharp said.

Mission Viejo (13-5, 3-2) scored its only goal in the 67th minute, after Amber Skallerud faked left around sweeper Kristie Hoback and shot past goalkeeper Amanda Fox.