Delgado Lifts Cougars to Soccer Title

Liz Delgado lifted herself in the air and lifted Capistrano Valley to a share of the South Coast League girls’ soccer title Tuesday at Capistrano Valley.

Delgado’s header in the 69th minute after a free kick from Renee Peterson gave the Cougars a 1-0 victory over Mission Viejo and a share of the league championship.

Capistrano Valley, 17-2-3 and 7-0-1 in league, is ranked No. 1 in the county and Mission Viejo (16-4-4, 5-2-2) is No. 3.

Delgado capitalized on Diablo penalties with excellent shots on free kicks. She had five of the Cougars’ 12 shots in the game.

The over-the-hill neighbors have developed quite a rivalry over the last two years--Mission Viejo defeated Capistrano Valley in overtime in the Southern Section Division I semifinals last year.

The pressure showed in Capistrano Valley’s tentative play in the first half, but the Cougars regained their edge at halftime.

Mission Viejo’s defense played well against Capistrano Valley’s talented forwards. Hannah Cochrun had several spectacular saves among the 10 Cougar shots she kept out of the goal. Beth Saur also anticipated well at defender, saving several sure goals.