Boys soccer remains undefeated with 1-1 tie against Saxons

Lilly Fabian
Staff Writer

Mira Costa boys soccer (2-1) kicked off its third preseason game against North Torrance on Tuesday, tying 1-1.

North Torrance surprised Costa with quick advances on Costa’s net in the first half, but the Mustangs took control of the ball and began to work their way around Torrance defenders.

“Torrance came out fighting, but we took over and began trying to score,” junior defender Anand Sarathy said.

After six minutes of play, senior midfielder Max Steinmetz sent a free kick to senior forward Ricky Angiolini, who headed the ball into the back of the net.

“I was relieved that we were able to score early and get a lead,” Angiolini said.

The Mustangs continued to maintain possession of the ball until the 25th minute, in which Torrance intercepted a pass from Costa defender junior Sean Fabian and dribbled down the sideline. He crossed it to an open forward who scored Torrance’s first goal of the game, tying the game at 1-1.

“Unfortunately, there was miscommunication between my partner and I,” Fabian said. “He headed the ball back to me and the opposing player anticipated it before I could get there.”

Costa had a chance to take back its lead when junior defender Graham Lipps took a shot off of a corner kick but failed to score. Steinmetz also took another free kick that narrowly missed the goal.

“I think we deserved the win today because we worked harder and had more chances,” Angiolini said.

North Torrance tried to take the lead in the 41st minute of play when one of its forwards took a close shot, but junior goalkeeper Justin Fairchild saved it, protecting the 1-1 tie.

“I thought we played well as a team, but we just got unlucky and couldn’t score again to win the game,” Fairchild said.

Boys soccer played at Hawthorne yesterday, but results were unavailable at the time of publication. Costa plays Windward High School today at home at 3 p.m.

“We have a very talented team this year, and we’re aspiring to win Bay League and make a deep run into CIF playoffs,” senior captain Caley Berney said.