Laguna Beach closes in on league title

LAGUNA BEACH - Playing for sole possession of first place in the Orange Coast League looked like something Laguna Beach does year in and year out.

The thing is, the Breakers have never won the league title.

They are a step closer after defeating Godinez, 1-0, on Monday. The Breakers can claim their first ever league title with a victory Wednesday against Saddleback.

The teams were tied atop the league standings before the meeting. They tied, 1-1, earlier in the season at Godinez (13-6-4, 4-1-4).

Laguna Beach (9-6-6, 5-0-4) dominated the ball for most of the match in Godinez's defensive half.  This led to many solid opportunities including four corner kicks, three of those in the first half. 

With 12 minutes left in the first half senior forward April Carlson hit a beautiful curving ball that found the head of teammate senior Marina Paul from eight yards out to give Laguna Beach its only goal.

Laguna Beach coach Bill Rolfing knew this was a huge goal as both teams have stifling defenses.

"We just try to eek out every victory. Godinez has such a great defense," Rolfing said.

Godinez did have a few chances of its own, including a free kick from 40 yards out that Breakers goalie Kylie George hit off her own crossbar before collecting the shot.

Things can get interesting for Laguna Beach if it loses or ties, though, because Calvary Chapel is in second with a league record of 4-0-5 and plays Godinez to conclude the regular season.

"It would mean the world to us to win this league after not having done so in 31 seasons," Rolfing said.