Laguna plays well in 4-2 loss

Laguna Beach’s boys’ under-13 club soccer team bounced back from a

previous poor performance to record one of its best efforts of the

season last Saturday.

But, despite the valiant effort, Laguna Beach fell by a score of

4-2 to a talented and undefeated Real FC Toros team in Silver South

Division action.

In a game marked by several momentum swings, Laguna Beach came out

strong and controlled the match’s early stages behind the play of

Austin Hyden, Devin Hands, Shane Springer, Josh Wells and Kevin Buck.

An inability to cash in on a few early scoring opportunities,

however, caused Laguna some lost momentum.

Real FC Toros went on to control the final 20 minutes of the first

half and took a 1-0 lead at the break.

Laguna Beach rallied at the outset of the second half and used a

nice chip shot by Keegan Valaika to tie the score at 1-1.

Valaika’s goal was set up by a pass from Buck.

Real FC Toros gained control for good by dominating the ensuing 10

minutes, scoring three goals to go up by a commanding, 4-1 count.

But Laguna Beach did not fold. Hands would score a goal with 10

minutes left to narrow the deficit to 4-2 yet, despite regaining

momentum down the stretch, Laguna could get no closer.

Laguna Beach will host the first place Irvine Strikers on Saturday

at 3:45 p.m. at Moulton Meadows field.