Diablos Win on Penalty Kick

It is a cross-town rivalry that almost always lives up to its billing, and Saturday’s South Coast League girls’ soccer game between Mission Viejo and Capistrano Valley was no different.

The teams came into the rain-makeup game tied for the county’s No. 1 ranking, and in front of approximately 200 rowdy fans, the Diablos came away with a 1-0 victory on a penalty kick by Kendal Billingsley in the 63rd minute.

It was Mission Viejo’s first league victory over Capistrano Valley in more than two years and puts the Diablos (11-1-3, 4-0 in league) in control of the league race.

“I’m breathing again finally,,” said Mission Viejo Coach Susie Daher. “It is always so dramatic when we play each other. It just sucks the breath right out of you.”

Billingsley was awarded the penalty kick when junior Danielle Fenning was ejected for an intentional hand ball in the box. Billingsley slammed the penalty shot into the right corner of the goal past Cougar goalie Staci Sinkway.

“I was so nervous already,” Daher said. “It really made me feel more comfortable knowing Kendal was going to take the shot. She is always going to find a spot to put it in.”

Daher looked nervous again as the teams played in injury time. After a brief delay while four fans were ejected from the Mission Viejo sideline for yelling at players and referees, the Cougars (10-2-3, 2-1-1) tried to rally, despite playing at a man-disadvantage.

Kristen Moore launched a direct kick in front of the goal to Jen Horn, who flicked the ball ahead to Ashley Casas at the far post. Casas caught Diablo goalkeeper Katie Wright out of position, but her header skimmed over the crossbar.

“I thought I had it,” said Casas, a senior. “This was a big game. They are a great team, but I feel very confident for our next game. We’d like to play them again today if we could.”

Casas and the Cougars won’t have to wait long for the rematch. The two teams play next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Mission Viejo.