Dolphins, Cougars Settle Nothing in Scoreless Tie

Two of Orange County’s best boys’ soccer teams met Friday to determine which one would have the edge in the South Coast League standings.

And when it was over . . . nothing was decided.

Top-ranked Dana Hills and No. 6 Capistrano Valley played to a hard-fought 0-0 tie at Dana Hills.

Both teams had numerous chances to score, but tight defense and physical play prevented either from putting the ball in the net. Referees issued one red card and four yellows, and play was stopped five times as players recovered from collisions and hard tackles.

The host Dolphins (15-1-3, 3-0-1) had 15 shots on goal and earned an advantage when Capistrano Valley captain and starting goalkeeper Zach Mikelson received a red card for a tackle outside the box 28 minutes into the first half, forcing the Cougars to play a man short for the duration.

But backup goalie Luis Vega took over and did not miss a beat.

“They were very emotional and took us out of our regular style of play,” said Dana Hills Coach Dennis Korinke. “We have to play the ball on the foot, forget the long passes and play possession up the field. We didn’t expect an easy game and we didn’t have one.”

Mikelson made five saves and Vega had six, but defender Josh Brown made a key play when he stopped Forrest Smith’s shot 15 minutes into the game. Mikelson fell down coming out of the goal, and Brown hurried to the net to stop the shot.

“Luis Vega did an awesome job,” said Capistrano Valley Coach Ron Willms. “And I was definitely pleased with the way we played.”

The Cougars (14-3-5, 1-0-2) took 13 shots on goal, but Dana Hills goalkeeper Lance Friesz was up to the task, earning five saves.

Dana Hills threatened to score on several occasions with time running out, but Vega made three saves and Brown and midfielder Freddy Rivera stepped in to stop two other shots.

“We had ample opportunities to score but [the Cougars] were quicker to the ball,” Korinke said. “They played with amazing intensity.”