By Michael Lebbin
Staff Writer
Coming off of a 3-1 win over Buena High School, the Mira Costa boys soccer team lost to San Clemente High School on Feb. 20 in the second round of CIF playoffs. The Mustangs could not connect with a goal and fell, 2-0, to the Tritons.
San Clemente scored in the first half, taking a 1-0 lead over Costa.
“We put in a great effort but struggled with their quickness and talent,” coach Gary Smith said. “They deserve their rank because they were a very good team that has won before.”
Senior midfielder Ryan Zein created multiple scoring opporunties for the Mustangs and junior goalkeeper Madison Gesser contributed with six saves.
“We focused on defense and attacking,” Zein said. “Nobody let up, even though we lost.”
In the second half, Zein vollied a shot, barely missing the goal. Later, senior midfielder Quinn Delbridge had an opportunity with a header off of a corner kick, but it was reflected by San Clemente junior goal keeper Cole Martinez.
Costa had a Bay League record of 4-5-1, placing them fourth in league and 13-11-6 overall.
“We had a good season but needed some improvement,” Smith said.
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