Aliso Niguel prevails with pressure on

Coming into Tuesday's showdown between No. 1 San Clemente and No. 2 Aliso Niguel, Wolverines coach Randy Dodge labeled the match as a "must win" if his team wanted to contend for a playoff spot in the tough South Coast League.

Though his team struggled at times and appeared overwhelmed by the Tritons' offensive attack, it came up with big plays when needed to keep that quest alive.

Senior Mollie Curran scored with less than seven minutes remaining in the second half and junior goalie Kathleen Messinger stopped 11 shots as the Wolverines knocked off the Tritons, 2-1, at San Clemente High.

"I was in the right place at the right time and was able to head the ball into the far post," Curran said.

"They are our biggest rival, so this was a heartfelt win for us."

The Wolverines (14-1-2, 2-1-1) are tied with San Clemente (16-3-1, 2-1-1) for second place in league. No. 5 Mission Viejo moved to 3-0-1 and took sole possession of first place with a victory over Capistrano Valley on Tuesday.

"We played with a lot of heart and persevered tonight," Dodge said. "The girls displayed the will to win, which is something that can't be coached."

The Tritons opened the game attacking. Sophomore midfielder Frannie Coxe nearly put San Clemente ahead less than a minute into the game, but her twisting kick from nearly 20 yards away sailed just over the left corner of the goal.

Though the Tritons were able to maintain constant early pressure in their attacking third, they were unable to convert it into goals, as senior defender Haley Horton led the Wolverines backline defense in keeping the Tritons from putting the ball into the net.

After surviving the early Tritons attack, the Wolverines grabbed a 1-0 lead late in the half when senior Nadia Zuabi got just enough of her head on a corner kick to get the ball into the net.

But San Clemente tied it with less than two minutes remaining in the half. After a Wolverines foul in the box, senior Barrett Bestard booted a penalty kick past Messinger.

The second half evolved into a physical battle, as both teams fought desperately for control of the game.

The Tritons continued to make strong runs toward the net, before Curran's decisive goal won it for Aliso Niguel.

Tritons coach Stacey Finnerty credited her squad for a well played game even in defeat.

 “We know that everyone gets up to play us, and even though we lost, I thought the girls played a great game,” she said. “Messinger was a big reason why they were able to win.”

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com