Tommy Waller
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s boys soccer team fell to to Paramount High School, 4-2, at home on Feb. 26, ending Costa’s California Interscholastic Federation run in the quarterfinals. The loss came despite top performances from senior defender Brady Douglas and senior forward Kevin Glasser.
The game started off quickly, as both teams were eager to attack. Early in the first half, Costa was awarded a corner. After the ball was whipped into the box, Glasser was able to head the ball to make the score 1-0. The goal was a product of the Mustangs early aggressiveness, Coach Gary Smith said.
“We obviously played a very good team in Paramount, whose players had both skill and speed,” Smith said. “In the first half, everyone could see that the effort was there and the players worked very hard.”
Photos: Mira Costa loses 4-2 to Paramount
The Mustangs offense created multiple chances in the first half, and were able to make the score 2-0 after Douglas scored a header. The ball was sent in from a throw-in from junior midfielder Tanner Hong. Hong’s throw-in capabilities has been a huge asset throughout the season, junior defender Josh Rudow said.
Link: Tanner Hong player profile
“We have scored many goals through Tanner’s throw-ins into the box, exactly as it happened today,” Rudow said. “I think that we played extremely well in the first half, and we did a good job of finishing chances.”
The game was a tale of two halves, as Paramount increased the pressure continuously in the second half. With 20 minutes to go, Paramount were able to score off their own long throw-in to make the score 2-1.
“I think that we should not be concerned with their long throw-in goal as we had a similar goal and they kind be considered fluke goals,” Smith said. “What we should be concerned about is how we let the opposing team win important balls in the midfield which led to their goals.”
After scoring a goal to halve Costa’s lead, Paramount continued their high pressure on the Mustang’s back line. After a through ball sent a Paramount striker through a gap in Costa’s defense, he was able to finish past the keeper and tie the game at 2-2.
“Simply put, we were not able to contain them in the midfield leading to a quick transition for the other team,” Smith said. “It is very difficult to defend when you are running towards your own goal against speedy players, and I believe this is how Paramount was able to score their goals.”
With the game tied at 2-2, Costa looked to regain their lead. This led to open gaps in their defense, and a vulnerability to counter attacks. Paramount was able to take advantage and scored to make the game 3-2. With 2 minutes left in the game, Costa decided to all out attack. All the players, including the keeper, packed into the opposing box to try and score. Paramount was able to counterattack again and make the score 4-2.
“I don’t think that the fourth goal should be counted as our keeper was not even in his net,” Smith said. “Overall I believe that the team played a very skilled and talented team today, and I am extremely proud of the team and especially the seniors.”
Costa finished their season 15-6-2 overall and 7-3 in Bay League, in which they finished second. According to Rudow, the juniors are fired up to go even further next year in CIF playoffs.
Link: Mira Costa schedule
“I think that the team did an excellent job this year, and everyone should be incredibly happy with out season in general,” Rudow said. “It sucks that we lost, but only 1 out of 32 teams can end their season on a win.”
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