Woodbridge Misses Chingarian Against Diablos
A year ago, and maybe even two months ago, nobody would have believed that Mission Viejo could have defeated Woodbridge in boys’ soccer. But Friday in the first round of the Division II playoffs, it happened.
The Diablos, who hadn’t won a playoff game in 11 years, soundly defeated the defending champion Warriors, 2-0, at Mission Viejo High. The Warriors were missing their best midfielder, Roy Chingarian, who was in Arizona at an Olympic Development Program tournament. But Woodbridge Coach Jon Szczuka said his team should have been able to overcome Chingarian’s absence.
“We didn’t have the manpower this year to make up for things like injuries, ODP tournaments and college recruiting trips,” he said. “Our games reflected it.”
Mission Viejo (9-9-3) controlled the early action and took six shots on Woodbridge goalkeeper Jason Del Valle. The Diablos finally broke through with their seventh--a header by Will Beard in the 29th minute directly in front of the goal. Beard was set up by a perfect header from Nate Atkinson.
Del Valle, who had nine saves, kept it close by turning away close-range second-half shots by Ben Squirrell and Daniel Escutia. But Escutia padded the lead when he found the upper left corner of the net with a volley from the 18-yard mark.
Woodbridge (13-5-5) had its chances in the second half. Ryo Makimura hit the left post with a blast from 15 yards and Pieter Berger’s header was saved nicely by keeper Jeff Taylor. But Mission Viejo outshot Woodbridge, 15-10, and out-hustled the Warriors for much of the game.
“We just wanted it a lot more,” Mission Viejo Coach Greg Naber said. “Our energy was great and we won most of the 50-50 balls.”
Said Szczuka: “Not having Roy kills us. He is our middle.”
Mission Viejo will play Edison in the second round Wednesday at a site to be determined.
In other Division II games:
Edison 2, Corona 1 (OT)--Nicolai Alvarado scored the game-winner six minutes into the second half of overtime for host Edison (16-4-2). Jeff Kinkoff scored in the 32nd minute for Edison before Micah Swift scored for Corona (14-7-5) three minutes later.
El Dorado 2, Newport Harbor 1--Second-seeded El Dorado (26-4) advanced to play the Calexico-Palm Springs winner. Ryan Valdez scored off an assist from Jay Larson in the 13th minute and Mike Hargraves scored off an assist from Brenden Gulledge in the 29th minute for the Golden Hawks.