Newport Harbor Battles for Big Tie

Newport Harbor boys’ soccer Coach Colin Bouette’s aggravation with the referees turned to sheer jubilation when the Sailors gained a 1-1 tie with Santa Margarita Friday at Santa Margarita High. The tie secured their first playoff berth in four years.

Sweeper Ryan Hoover’s goal with 12 minutes remaining made up for Santa Margarita forward Matt Moses’ first-half goal that came after a questionable call.

Hoover had been moved up to the front after seventh-ranked Newport Harbor had trouble getting any scoring opportunities.

Newport Harbor (15-6-5, 4-3-3 in the Sea View League) was a point ahead of fourth-place Woodbridge and needed a tie to clinch a playoff spot.

Last year Newport Harbor needed a tie in the season finale to make the playoffs but lost to Woodbridge. This year the Sailors got a tie with their leading scorer, forward Justin Kerr, in street clothes due to a sprained ankle.

At halftime Bouette was livid at referee Lee Watson, whose foul call gave Santa Margarita’s Brian Piesner a free kick that set up Moses’ header. Ten minutes later, Santa Margarita Coach Curt Bauer was fuming when Moses was given a red card by referee Vladi Eliseer for vulgar language.

Players given red cards must sit out the next game--meaning Moses cannot play in the Eagles’ first playoff game.