No. 2 San Clemente shuts down No. 6 Tesoro, 1-0

Its South Coast title defense underway, No. 2 San Clemente showcased its master plan to repeat during Thursday's league opener against Tesoro.

The Tritons squad looked a lot like the one that made the CIF championship run last year, with the defense leading the way in a 1-0 victory over the No. 6 Titans at Tesoro High.

"I love my defense," Tritons coach Stacey Finnerty said. "They come through time and time again."

San Clemente's backfield of Camille Berg, Kelsey Wilson, Sam Yackley and Zoe Jeffers, along with goalie Tiffany Corder, kept the Titans off the scoreboard despite their opportunities.

Tesoro missed a chance early off a corner kick and another when a shot sailed high.

"I feel Tesoro is a great team," Finnerty said. "Every time you start a match, you have to feel teams out."

The Titans had their looks in the second half, but their results remained fruitless. Titans coach Nick Schofield said finishing is the team's next step as league progresses.

"We have to put the ball in the back of the net," he said. "We showed today we can create chances. When we play against other teams we need to score goals."

Scoreless at the half, San Clemente scored with just under 20 minutes to play. Frannie Coxe dribbled down the left sideline and to the Titans baseline before crossing the ball.

A Tesoro defender was in front of net and deflected the ball. However, freshman Dani Weatherholt was there to score her first career goal and give the Tritons a 1-0 advantage.

"It was a good way to set the tone for league," Corder said. "Everyone is out to get us for last year.

"We just need to go out and play hard and have confidence in each other. We didn't lose our intensity today."

Though it took the Tritons a few minutes to settle in defensively at the start, Corder said the defense prepares for such situations. She said during practice the Tritons have drills that put the defense at a disadvantage.

"It was OK, because we know how to handle that," she said. "We have trust in each other not to worry."

It was the first game of the South Coast season, but with four teams currently ranked in the top 10 every game is key for CIF. Schofield said getting at least a tie and a point at home would have helped their chances.

On the other side of the field, Finnerty was pleased to start with a road victory.

"I'm extremely happy with the outcome," she said. "The girls stepped up to the challenge of league."

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregister.com