Costa Mesa finds way to stay in first

COSTA MESA- With defeat staring the Costa Mesa girls soccer team in the face, the Mustangs' resiliency at the net helped them maintain sole possession of first place against their biggest league rival.

Junior Natalie Argueta tallied the tying goal with less than 30 seconds remaining, as the Mustangs tied Estancia, 2-2, on Tuesday at Estancia High.

“We had to put everything into that play because there was no time left,” Mustangs coach Dan Johnston said. “We’ve snatched a tie from the jaws of victory several times this year, and it’s kind of nice to be on the other end of it.”

The Mustangs (8-5-7, 3-0-2) and Eagles (8-7-4, 2-0-3) played to a 1-1 tie in their meeting on Jan. 8.

“The girls left everything they had on the field today,” Eagles coach Jessica Gatica said. “Costa Mesa played a great game and I can see exactly what this rivalry is about.”

The game started fast for both teams, as each put a shot on goal less than two minutes into the contest.

The Mustangs broke through first, scoring on senior Ayla Medina's line drive past Eagles junior goalie Allyson Wallace in the fourth minute of play. It was Medina’s team-leading 13th goal.

The Eagles responded four minutes later. Freshman Heather Flores beat Mustangs senior goalie Jessica Rubright with a shot into the net, tying the contest at 1.

The first half then settled into a back-and-forth struggle. Both teams had numerous scoring chances were unable to capitalize on them.

The Eagles opened the second half on the attack. Flores and sophomores Jackie Freiberger and Alissa Schaefer used their speed and well placed passing to pressure the Mustangs.

Estancia took a 2-1 lead with less than 12 minutes remaining in the game. Schaefer outraced Rubright to a loose ball in front of the goal and sent a shot into the back of the net.

As time was running out, the Mustangs made their final charge at the net a successful one.

Senior Kristina Roche found a small hole under heavy defensive pressure and sent a perfectly placed crossing pass to the front of the goal. Argueta gained control in traffic and sent it into the net for the tie.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com