No. 1 Capistrano Valley Beats No. 2 Mission Viejo

Capistrano Valley defeated Mission Viejo, 1-0, in girls’ soccer Tuesday at Capistrano Valley. Despite the victory, Cougar Coach Jack Peterson was concerned with his team’s inability to put the ball in the net.

The Cougars (12-1, 2-0), top-ranked in both the county sportswriters’ and Southern Section Division I polls, outshot the second-ranked Diablos, 19-5, but scored only one goal. They had to rely on their defense to hold off several scoring opportunities by Mission Viejo (12-2-1, 1-1).

“I really thought we should have finished better in the offensive third of the field,” Peterson said. “We can’t keep letting teams hang around. When you take 20 shots a game, you should be scoring at least two goals.”

Mission Viejo freshman goalkeeper Katie Wright, replacing Nicole McCarty, who is expected to be out two weeks after suffering a concussion, was a big part of the Cougars’ inability to score more than a goal. Wright made eight saves, including one in the final 10 minutes. “She was truly amazing,” Mission Viejo Coach Susie Daher said. “I feel she is the one who kept us in the game.”

Capistrano Valley scored seven minutes into the game. Center midfielder Megan Abbamonto started the play with a pass from the middle to midfielder Haleigh Roach on the wing. Roach immediately sent the ball in front of the goal to forward Lindsay Greco, who touched the ball once, getting Wright off balance, then slammed the shot past her.

“The goal [Capistrano Valley] got they deserved,” Daher said. “My defense was in position and so was the goalie. They just set it up perfect.”