CdM claws to a draw

cdm boys soccer vs. huntingtonCorona del Mar rallies with late goal to salvage a 2-2 tie against visiting Huntington Beach in season opener Monday.CORONA DEL MAR -- The Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer team has already gotten off to a better start than last year’s squad. The Sea Kings settled with a 2-2 nonleague draw with Huntington Beach in the season opener for both teams Monday.

The tie was an improvement over last year’s 1-0 setback to the Oilers (0-0-1).

After a scoreless first half, all four goals were scored in the second half, the last by CdM’s Jon Udahsev.

The junior Sea King midfielder corralled a deflection off a free kick and fired a shot from 22 yards out to tie the score in the 75th minute. Corona del Mar (0-0-1) was awarded the free kick from just outside the 18-yard box after Huntington Beach committed a penalty for an illegal slide tackle.

After the shot caromed off an Oiler in the defensive wall, Udahsev shot a low line drive to the right side of the goal for the game-tying score.

Corona del Mar opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when sophomore Mitch Williams found senior Max Page for the first goal of the match.

Williams lobbed a cross from the right corner to a leaping Page, who headed the ball downward into the left side of the net.

After the game, Williams said he was pleased with his output in his first varsity match.

“It felt great getting the first goal,” Williams said. “It really seemed to pump the team up.”

Huntington Beach quickly retaliated with two scores to stake a 2-1 advantage.

Oiler Gray Bailey headed in a cross from Kyle McCathey for the visitors’ first score.

Bailey and McCathey also teamed for Huntington Beach’s second score.

A Bailey throw-in deflected off a CdM defender to an unmarked McCathey, who was lurking at the far goalpost. McCathey turned and shot uncontested into the open back of the goal.

The Oilers had a clear height advantage and were able to utilize their size to pressure the CdM defense.

Goalkeeper Andrew Dialynas -- who made six saves for the Sea Kings -- said he wasn’t surprised by Huntington Beach’s size. “Three of those guys play on my club team, so I knew what to expect,” the senior said. Corona del Mar Coach Pat Callaghan said he wasn’t sure what to expect from this year’s team in its opener, but seemed pleased with the result.

“In terms of defense, I thought our back four played well,” Callaghan said. “And our goalkeeper made some great saves.”

“Ultimately it was a good game. Giving away the lead was disappointing, but I was very happy about rallying to tie the score.”

Dialynas agreed with his coach’s assessment.

“We came out strong, and it was a good start to the season,” he said.

Both teams combined for nine shots -- all misses -- in the first 20 minutes of the match, as the Oilers took five shots, and CdM managed four.

“Coming out there were a lot of shots,” Callaghan said. “We typically keep three guys up top, so we have the chance to get numbers in the [18-yard] box.”

CdM was without the services of Allan Hardison and Brian Burke, who are still competing with their respective club teams.

The Sea Kings visit Dana Hills on Wednesday.