Strong start for soccer

The Laguna Beach High boys’ soccer team opened its 2006-07 season by winning two matches and playing to tie scores in the two others.

Monday against visiting Sage Hill, right-midfielder Edgar Rabaden scored the lone goal for the Breakers in a 1-1 tie against the Lightning. Goalies Erik Haug and Alex Germano each had three saves, Laguna Coach Patrick Coyne said.

On Dec. 1, Laguna shut down Saddleback Valley Christian, 5-0. Jonathan Martinez led the scoring with a pair of goals and EJ Gomez, Brennen Healy scored once and Bryce Healy had a goal and assist. Germano finished with two saves.

The Breakers began their season on Nov. 27 with a 3-0 shutout of Brethren Christian. Bryce Healy scored two goals, Stephan Anderson scored once and Haug had two saves.

They followed that win with a 2-2 tie against University on Nov. 29. Brennen Healey and Tommy Harper each scored and Michael Tachovsky had an assist. Germano and Haug each had two saves.

“From a coaching standpoint, we’re doing different things in nonleague play in preparation for the league season,” said Coyne who is in his first year as head coach. “We’re doing a lot of different formations and lots of substitutions. We have a roster of 22 and I want to see how we jell as a squad.”

Laguna hosts Magnolia today at 5 p.m. at Guyer Field. The Breakers play at Tustin on Wednesday.

Laguna girls split first two matchesLaguna split its first two matches of the season, winning 2-0 over Ocean View after dropping a 1-0 decision to University.

In the win over Ocean View, Courtney Capobianco and Jackie Csira scored goals and Laura Renault and Madeline Arterburn picked up assists.

“I am very excited about this year’s girls’ soccer program,” varsity coach Bill Rolfing said. “All three levels show great depth and each team has been able to freely substitute giving valuable game experience to the girls early on.

“The Varsity squad has a great core of young players returning from last season. We graduated only four active players in ‘06, reduced squad size and balanced out the field.”

Laguna is led by five seniors this year: goalie Lauren Caris, striker Sarah Rolfing and defenders Wesley Hamchuk, Sara Appel and Sasha Speare, the latter winning the Orange Coast League individual golf title in November.

Ten juniors, each of whom play club ball, give Laguna a solid core: defenders Claire Rubel and Tasha Cherpas, midfielders Capobianco, Renault, Kaylee Rees, Angela Lozano and Marissa Hoffman, and forward players Csira, Nikki Clark and Brianna Lacy.

“The future is exciting with returning sophomore forward Holden Penney, last year’s JV leading scorer Madeline Arterburn and two defensive midfielders from the freshman class, Alex Degarmo and Kelsey Peterson,” Bill Rolfing said.

Laguna returns to the field today with a 3:15 p.m. date at La Quinta of Westminster. The Breakers return home Tuesday to host neighboring Laguna Hills in a 6:15 p.m. match at Guyer Field.

Later this month, the Breakers will take their annual three-day holiday trip to Palm Desert for tournament play.

“We are cautiously optimistic for an excellent season this year, but we know that it is all about conditioning, hard work and committing to the team-style of play,” Rolfing said. “Once we have these elements, the fun follows.”