Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
SANTA ANA — Mater Dei’s girls soccer team added a historic feat to its sizzling start Wednesday in the finals of the Excalibur Tournament of Champions at Foothill High.
Valentina Labuschagne converted a penalty shot that she drew in overtime, and Addy Rodriguez scored twice on free kicks outside the penalty box as the Monarchs defeated Harvard-Westlake 3-2 to capture the tournament for the first time under longtime coach Matty West.
“There’s a first for everything,” West, in his 25th season, said with a smile. “This was an impressive accomplishment. The girls just worked really hard, overcame some big obstacles and they really put it together when we needed it.”
In improving to 10-0-3, Mater Dei took a 3-2 lead against Harvard-Westlake (5-2-3) late in the first, five-minute overtime period.
Labuschagne, a forward who is committed to Rice, drew the penalty as she dribbled into the box after taking a pass from Addi Doria.
Harvard-Westlake was whistled for tripping and Labuschagne followed by netting her second consecutive game-winning goal.
“She hurt her ankle last game,” Mater Dei midfielder Kendra Hansen said of Labuschagne, who scored in a 1-0 win against Los Alamitos in the semifinals Tuesday. “When she got fouled, her ankle was throbbing. … Big props to her (for scoring). Big props to Addy.”
“This is our fourth game in three days,” Hansen added, “so it takes a lot of (will) to win.”
Hansen, a member of the U.S. under-17 national team, drew free kicks in the first and second half that Rodriguez scored on to give Mater Dei leads.
In the 21st minute, the left-footed Rodriguez blasted a low, free kick from just outside the penalty box into the far corner for a 1-0 lead.
After Harvard-Westlake’s Zoe Piper tied the score just before halftime on a counterattack, Hansen drew another free kick just outside the box in the third minute of the second half.
Rodriguez, who is committed to Colorado State, followed by bending a shot into the near-side upper corner.
“I haven’t scored two free kicks in a row in a game,” said Rodriguez, who plays outside back. “I was thankful to help out my team.”
“(And) thank goodness for (Hansen),” she added. “She always draws (free kicks).”
Harvard-Westlake hung tough. Freshman Amada Rodriguez scored in the middle of the second half after the Monarchs failed to clear the ball.
Mater Dei goalie Jojo Conn made a diving save moments later on a shot by Piper. The North Dakota State committed senior added another save against Amada Rodriguez as the teams pushed toward overtime.
Early in the first overtime, Harvard-Westlake goalie Sasha Selvaggio soared to narrowly punch out a lofted shot by Mater Dei’s Sophia Di Gerlando.
“I thought it was a pretty even game and (I) am very proud of our girls for the quality of their play and their competitive spirit,” Harvard-Westlake coach Richard Simms said. “Credit to Mater Dei for some wonderful free kicks.”
Mater Dei, the reigning CIF-SS Division 1 champion, opened the tournament with a loss in penalty kicks against Fairmont Prep. The Monarchs bounced back to beat Edison 2-1 on a goal by Hansen.
“This means a lot,” West said of winning the Excalibur. “It is a collection of some really competitive teams ramping up for season. This is just a really good indicator on what you’re capable of doing.”
Mater Dei opens Trinity League play against Orange Lutheran on Jan. 15.
Related Articles
Orange County girls athlete of the week: Claire Hirakawa, Aliso Niguel Aliso Niguel girls soccer beats Oaks Christian for Best in the West title Sonora girls soccer knocks off La Habra in wild game between rivals Huntington Beach girls soccer in control throughout win over Villa Park Sunny Hills girls soccer tops La Mirada with two big plays in final two minutesHence then, the article about mater dei girls soccer edges harvard westlake to claim excalibur tournament was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Mater Dei girls soccer edges Harvard-Westlake to claim Excalibur tournament )
Also on site :