Chaminade Gets Lift, Raises Trophy

Chaminade High had a surprise waiting before the Southern Section Division IV girls’ soccer championship game.

It was the sight of teammate Kristen Jackson, who had just been released from the hospital, standing on the sideline.

Chaminade, inspired by Jackson’s presence, scored an early goal and went on to a 2-0 victory over Torrance Bishop Montgomery in the Division IV final Saturday at La Mirada High.

Two minutes into the game, Chaminade scored on a breakaway by midfielder Lindsey Weening.

Coach Mike Evans of Chaminade, who guided the third-seeded Eagles (23-4-4) to their fourth consecutive title, said that quickly eliminated any jitters they might have had before the game.

“That was one of the best goals I’ve seen,” Evans said. “That really put Bishop Montgomery on their heels.”

After Weening’s goal, Chaminade’s defense took over.

The Eagles, who shared the title with the Knights last season, were in control most of the way and Bishop Montgomery had few scoring opportunities.

Chaminade scored again in the 55th minute when Meghan Powers sent a crossing pass into a crowd in front of the net and Kim Taylor fired it past goalkeeper Adrian Conde.

“That was the most incredible pass,” Taylor said.

“If it wasn’t for that pass, I would’ve never gotten [the goal].”

Evans said getting the second goal was important because Chaminade was playing without one of its top players, sophomore forward Kelly Lavery.

Lavery suffered a severely bruised tailbone in a victory Tuesday over Corona del Mar in the semifinals.

But Chaminade had more than enough offense to hold off the Knights (22-6-3), who scored only six goals in five playoff games.

Taylor said it was nice for the Eagles to finally have a title they could call their own. Chaminade shared the title the last two seasons.

“This one was the best,” Taylor said.

“After we tied [for the title] my first two times, this one was special.”

That Jackson, who had toxic shock syndrome and pancreatitis causing her to miss the playoffs, was there to share it with her teammates made it even more special for the Eagles.

Evans said he received a telephone call Friday from Jackson, who told him she was ready to leave Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and she wanted to attend the game.

Of course, he didn’t mention it to his players until they arrived at La Mirada for the game.

“We started crying when we saw her,” defender Julie Bosserman said.

Taylor said it provided all the inspiration Chaminade needed.

“It was the most incredible thing that Kristen was here,” Taylor said. “When we saw her, we knew we were going to win.”