After finishing pool play with a three-way tie for first, the Los Alamitos High girls soccer team finished with two, 1-0 wins, over Pacifica High and San Juan Hills High, in order, at the Best of the West Tournament.
The Griffins capped the weekend with the 1-0 win over San Juan Hills, after scoring in the first couple of minutes and then keeping the Stallions at bay. A corner kick early in the game provided the only goal, as the kick by sophomore Camryn Flores went to the far side of the goal, where junior defender Victoria Bloch directed a header over the goalie for the score.
The Griffin defense did the rest, keeping the Stallions off the scoreboard. Goalkeepers Sarah Appleby and Averie Gonzalez each played a half. The Griffins had other chances that just missed, including a crossing shot by sophomore forward Vanessa Pirrello that got past the goalkeeper, but slid just wide of the far post.
Griffin Head Coach Pat Rossi said he was pleased with the play of the team, which is still awaiting the return of a few players from club commitments. The Griffins reached the finals of the Division 1 CIF-SS playoffs last year, and are expected to be a contender again this year. Rossi said the competition at the tournament was a good test for the team.
“Our pool was really strong, so we’re looking to get better with these games, if we win it’s always an added bonus, but we get good competition,” Rossi said.
In pool play, the Griffins faced two solid Division 1 programs Oaks Christian (1-1 tie) and JSerra (2-2 tie). In last week’s CIF-SS Division 1 poll, the Griffins were ranked No. 2, with Oaks Christian at No. 3. JSerra was mentioned as a top 16 team.
San Juan Hills did have some opportunities in the second half, including a steal in the offensive end that led to a quick shot that sailed just wide of the goal. A couple of other shots were stopped by the goalie.
Rossi’s system emphasizes defense and ball control, and in that regard he is happy with the way the team is playing early in the season. Posting two shutouts in the final bracket play was a good way to end the weekend.
“I’m really impressed with our defense and how we hold the ball, those two things, those are key components for our game,” Rossi said.
The Griffins are off until after Christmas, when they will play in the Excalibur Tournament, one of the top tournaments in the west, with teams usually coming from out of state to compete in the event, hosted by Foothill High. Sunset Conference play begins on Jan. 4. The Griffins won the Sunset Surf League title last year.
