Girls’ Soccer Preview: Laguna looks good

For an opener, the Laguna Beach High girls’ soccer team looked pretty sharp Tuesday.

The Breakers went on the road to Tustin to begin their 2013-14 season, and won that first game by shutting down the host Tillers, 3-0, in nonleague play.

Freshman forward Christine Johnson opened the scoring with a perfectly placed 30-yard chip past the Tustin goalie. Sophomore forward Katelyn Carballo assisted on the play. The lead grew to 2-0 when sophomore Summer Stanaland, who led the Breakers in scoring last year, scored from 18 yards out after beating a defender. The score was set up by senior forward Danielle Gromet, who recorded an assist on a 20-yard play.

Sophomore forward Maddy Kristensen scored from 15 yards on a left-foot drive with Carballo earning her second assist.

Laguna keeper Kylie George made five saves, including one where she smothered a Tustin breakaway in the second half.

“We opened with a good passing game and kept that theme throughout,” Laguna Coach Bill Rolfing said. “Johana Abarca was spectacular in center-midfield. All the players on the squad saw good minutes of playing time. Good win for us with emphasis on team work.”

The Breakers play two games Saturday at the Ocean View Tournament. They open against Brea Olinda at 3 p.m., then play Placentia Valencia at 6:30 p.m. Both games are at Valencia High.

“The tournament and two matches Saturday will be a good test for us,” Rolfing said. “The girls are excited, especially knowing we are playing large high schools.”

Last year, Laguna went 7-7-6 overall, lost only two games in Orange Coast League play, and qualified for the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs. They won a wild card game (5-0) against Cerritos before being eliminated in the first round by Culver City (2-0).

The Breakers have reached the CIF Southern Section playoffs in four of the past five years.

Laguna has several new players in its lineup this year, but 14 returning players give the program a big boost.

“There will be much more depth this season,” Rolfing said. “The ninth-grade class has offered several good club prospects into both the varsity and JV squads. The frosh/soph team will be the best in years.”

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The Breakers

Head coach: Bill Rolfing (ninth year)

Coaching staff: Amanda Sylvia; Courtney Hamchuk; Ed Ornelas (JV coach); Daniel Pask (frosh/soph coach); Lura Hills.

Last year’s records: 7-7-6 overall; 4-2-4 league (third place).

2013 CIF results: Won Division 4 wildcard game; lost first-round game.

The Breakers: *Johana Abarca, all-league, MF, Sr.; Camille Arredondo, F, Sr.; Emma Barker, MF, Sr.; Hannah Budroe, DEF., Soph.; *Katelyn Carballo, F, Soph.; Regan Caraher, MF, Fr.; Lilli Cook, DEF., Fr.; *Janie Crawford, MF, Jr.; Autumn Geil, DEF., Fr.; *Kylie George, all-league, GK, Jr.; Danielle Gromet, Fr, Sr.; *Amy Hewlett, DEF., Jr.; *Tessa Hopper, DEF., Sr.; Greer Jacobs, F, Fr.; Christine Johnson, F, Fr.; Maddy Kristensen, F, Soph.; Chiara Noppenberger, MF, Soph.; * Audrey Pillsbury, MF, Jr.; *Summer Stanaland. MF, Soph.; Lilly Tabrizi, F, Soph.; Senna Thomas, DEF, Soph.; Paige Vitolo, F, Jr. (*denotes returning starter).

Coach’s take: “This year’s varsity must rely on teamwork,” Rolfing said. “Speed of play, movement off the ball, and tenacious defense, will be the keys.”