DANA POINT – Dana Hills’ Alan Escobar might be the smallest goalkeeper in Orange County, but on Friday night he played as if he was 7-feet tall.
The 5-4, 120-pound sophomore made just six saves, but many were of the spectacular fashion as he helped the Dolphins earn a 1-1 tie with fifth-ranked Aliso Niguel in both teams’ Sea View League opener at Dana Hills High.
“He doesn’t look like a goalkeeper,” said Aliso Niguel coach Randy Dodge, “but he made some big-time saves.”
The Dolphins are 3-3-1 since starting the season with five consecutive losses. Dana Hills coach Leo Compeon said having five starters out with injuries, including starting goalkeeper Humberto Loya (foot), contributed to the slow start.
“Getting the guys in the right position makes all the difference in the world,” said Compeon. “I hate tying, but I hate losing more. Score aside, this is best way for us to start league.”
After a scoreless first half, Dana Hills (3-8-1) struck for a goal three minutes into the second half. Four-year starter Paul Romero collected a pass from junior Evan Bicknell near the goal, turned his defender and rocketed a shot to the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season.
“That was a special play made by a special player,” said Dodge.
Aliso Niguel’s Ryan Souza tied the score, 1-1, in the 56th minute on a throw-in that was accidentally knocked in by Escobar.
“I thought he was pushed into the ball,” said Compeon.
Dana Hills spent most of the rest of the half dodging one Aliso Niguel opportunity after another, including a free kick 11 yards from the goal following an illegal pass to the goalkeeper. But Max Gorda’s shot off the free kick hit the crossbar.
Just minutes earlier, Escobar thwarted another golden opportunity for the Wolverines when he dove and a grabbed a shot off a header by sophomore Aidan Marmian.
“We couldn’t have created more chances than we created tonight,” said Dodge, whose Wolverines (7-1-1) outshot the Dolphins, 17-8.
“But I’m good with (the tie). I saw a lot of good things out there.”
“I’m really proud of my boys,” said Compeon. “Considering what we went through in the preseason. … I’m thrilled with the way we played.”
Contact the writer: magarcia@ocregister.com
