Breakers start, end well

By opening and closing the Palm Desert girls’ varsity soccer tournament with victories, Laguna Beach was able to post a 2-2 record at the Desert Winter Classic that wrapped Saturday.

The Breakers, who finished in third place at last year’s tournament, began this year’s event with a resounding 5-0 victory over Desert Mirage. Laguna’s domination was evident in the first half, alone, as the Breakers outshot their opponent, 13-0.

In the opening half, Courtney Capobianco scored twice, the second goal coming off an assist from Nikki Clark, and Clark later assisted a Laura Renault goal from 20 yards out.

The Breakers went on to hold a 10-0 advantage on shots on goal in the second half. They converted a penalty kick by Renault and Clark collected her third assist when she set up a Alex Degarmo goal from 15 yards out.

Laguna next went up against a strong Cathedral City Dec. 28, team and dropped a 2-0 decision.

Cathedral City went on to win the tournament title.

In its second match played later that day, Laguna got off to a strong start against Western Christian but eventually fell, 2-0. The Breakers, already decimated by injury and illness, had goalies Lura Hills and Angela Lozano sustain injuries in the match.

Laguna regrouped Saturday to play on all cylinders against Big Bear.

“We played a wonderful passing game and controlled the midfield from the beginning,” Breakers Coach Bill Rolfing said.

The Breakers had several early opportunities from close range but were denied. But just before the first half ended, Capobianco threaded a pass to Kaylee Rees who slammed the ball into the net to give Laguna a 1-0 lead at the break.

It was the second goal of the season for Rees.

Big Bear scored the tying goal with just under five minutes to play, and the match went into a penalty shootout to determine a winner. There, the Breakers prevailed in kicks, 4-2, to notch the win.

In the shootout, Hill, who returned from her Friday injury, saved two Big Bear shots while the Breakers goals came from Kelsey Peterson, Capobianco, Clark and Renault.

Renault and Claire Rubel were Laguna’s offensive and defensive and MVPs for the tournament, Rolfing said.

“On and off the field, the Desert Winter Classic provided another great experience for the Breakers,” he said.

Laguna plays its final nonleague match at 6:15 p.m. today by hosting Corona del Mar at Guyer Field.