CdM has nice mix of young, seasoned

Bryan Middleton’s Corona del Mar High girls’ soccer program is nothing if not consistent.

Middleton is entering his fifth year as the Sea Kings’ coach and he has qualified for the playoffs each season. With seven strong freshman, a core of four senior captains and a Pacific Coast League minus soccer powers Tesoro and Northwood, the success is likely to continue.

“I’ve never had a group of this many talented freshmen,” Middleton said. “Everyone has a role on this team. Everyone contributes to the overall effort of the team. Everyone is valued.”

With the goal a league title for the first time under Middleton, Irvine, which advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs last season, will be the main competition.

“Our main rival will be Irvine,” Middleton said. “Thank God Tesoro and Northwood are gone.”

Middleton has experience from before his arrival at Corona del Mar when it comes to the playoffs. As an assistant coach, he was part of Edison’s 1999-2000 Division II boys’ soccer section title and as a high school midfielder he won three Oregon state championships in what equates to the Division I level in California.

The preseason will be used to develop the passing that is key to Middleton’s system, getting the ball to the outside midfielders then down the line to the forwards, who can draw the goalkeeper and set up a teammate in the middle.

“The preseason is when you’re educating the team,” Middleton said. “You have your ups, you have your downs, you learn from it.”

Into the playoffs, Middleton wants his team to take each game as it comes. The long-term goal would be making the first section final for any boys’ or girls’ soccer team at Corona del Mar, Middleton said.

Senior captains forward Alex Tobiessen, sweeper Stephanie Brown, midfielder-forward Kaliegh Trider and defender Ali Torres are all entering their fourth year on varsity.

At 5-foot-11, and with speed, Tobiessen, who also runs on the track team, will be a major factor in the Sea Kings’ offense.

“It’s hard to keep up with her long stride,” Middleton said.

Trider is the Sea Kings’ main option off corner kicks and set pieces, as well as being the best at winning headers.

“She wins the 50-50 ball battle,” Middleton said of the right midfielder. “She’s our target player on corners. She’s very good at finishing that.”

Brown is the Sea Kings last line of defense as well as the player who starts the offense in motion sending the ball back down field.

“She plays a very important role,” Middleton said. “She starts the play from the back if we’re on defense.”

Torres is a four-year starter on defense.

“She’s been a steady player,” Middleton said. “She knows how to get players motivated. It’s kind of like having another coach out there. She keeps everyone focusing in practice.”

Junior midfielder Alex Elias is a catalyst for the Sea Kings’ offense.

“She’s my general,” Middleton said. “She has the ability to possess the ball and see the play and the field.”

And, then there are the seven freshman who are already making an impact this year. At left midfielder Hayley Raguse has worked her way into the starting lineup.

“She completely earned that position,” Middleton said. “She gets up and down the field and doesn’t tire.”

Middleton expects freshman Brynn Johnson to fill Brown’s shoes next season.

“She’s like the ‘Mini Me’ of Stephanie,” Middleton said. “She also has the ability to play midfield and forward. I can see her filling in on that role and running the show from the back.”

Corey Cano gives Middleton something he has never had, a freshman goalkeeper.

“So far she has handled it really well,” Middleton said, who added that junior Meghan Low is also in competition for the position.

Freshman forward Alexandra Reinach will miss two to three weeks with a medial collateral ligament sprain, but when she returns is expected to make an impact. Freshman center midfielder Azeda Nazemi has only played 10 minutes in the first three games due to illness.

“[Reinach] is an instant offensive threat,” Middleton said. “[Nazemi] is a very hard worker and she’s very good with her head.”

Freshmen midfielder Ashley Smith and defender Lauren Smits will be important off the bench.

“[Smith] has the ability to step in and take the place of Trider when needed,” Middleton said. “[Smits] does a fine job and is not intimidated.”

AJ Rome, Natalie Bernardy, Alex Gorab, Catherine Ossipoff and Lexi Hensen will see significant playing time.