By Elizabeth Goldman
Sports Editor
Mira Costa boys soccer won the CIF Regional Championships 4-3 in an away game against Birmingham High School on Saturday, June 5.
The team got off to a rocky start ending the first half 0-1, but were able to catch up and tie in the second half. The game went into sudden-death overtime, where the senior center mid Tanner Mendelsohn was able to score.
“I am beyond happy and speechless,” Mendelsohn said. “We didn’t start the best, but realized this was our last game and we had to do everything to win. We fought hard and I’m very excited it ended in our favor.”
During the second half, seniors Elias Kraus and Michael Crisera scored, each time tying the game, finally leaving the game tied at 3-3 by the end of the second half. Crisera was selected player of the game after scoring two of Costa’s four goals.
“Both of my goals came after being down, so neither put us ahead of the other team,” Crisera said. “It’s always a great feeling to score, and it definitely felt like we regained some energy and momentum after both of the goals. However, we also knew that the game wasn’t over yet.”
The game went into a fifteen-minute sudden death overtime where Mendelsohn was able to score the winning goal. According to Crisera, while they were used to playing into overtime, having won multiple games this season in overtime, but winning on a golden goal was still a very special feeling.
“This was one of the best feelings of my life,” Mendelsohn said. “Once the ball went in the net I realized I did it for my team. Everyone stormed the field and I was in the middle of it enjoying every second.”
With this sudden death win, the Mustangs emerged victorious, taking home the CIF Regional Championship title. Earlier, the team won the CIF Southern Section Championships, winning the first CIF title for boys soccer.
“I know that some of the players have played in bigger games with our club teams, but for me personally, I have never felt so proud after winning a title,” said Crisera. “It means so much to me to bring this one back to Costa.”
This concludes the team’s season with a record of 18-1-3 and two CIF championships.
“I am very proud of the work our team has put into every second of the season,” Mendelsohn said. “We didn’t have the best start to the season but started to come together as a team. Our coach has motivated us every second of the way and this gave all of us inspiration to win it all.”
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