The Eastlake High School girls soccer team captured its first San Diego Section Division I championship with a 1-0 win over top-seeded Carlsbad in 2013 at San Diego Mesa College.
The Lady Titans returned to the same venue last Saturday night to capture the school’s second Division I championship with a 1-0 win over ninth-seeded La Costa Canyon.
While Eastlake used a whole lot of defense and the stellar exploits of goalkeeper Jojo McCaskill to tame Carlsbad, the Lady Titans, seeded second in the 2017 playoff field, used a balanced slate of timely offense and defense to claim their latest CIF title.
EHS goalkeeper Glo Hinojosa made a pair of sensational saves in the first half and McKenzie Kimmel scored the only goal of the match with about eight minutes left in regulation play to provide the highlights for Eastlake, the reigning 2017 Mesa League champions.
“It’s been a magical season,” EHS coach Mark Koziahr underscored. “We knew at the start of the season that we were going to be good but it took hard work all around to make it happen.
“The girls worked hard for each other and played for each other. That’s what allowed us to be a champion.”
With the teams engaged in a scoreless tie, the Lady Titans received a free kick near the touchline well away from the Lady Mavericks net. Team co-captain Fernanda Osorio took the kick and drove the ball to the opposite side of the field where teammate Leyla McFarland flicked a pass to Kimmel, who then drove a laser beam shot from about 15 yards out into the top far corner of the net.
Eastlake fans promptly roared their approval.
Kimmel was obviously elated about scoring the game-winning goal.
“We had a lot of talent on this team this year, and it was fun to play with everyone,” Kimmel explained. “I’m proud of everyone to make it this far; I’m so proud to be a part of this team.
“To finally be CIF champions again is just the most amazing feeling in the world.”
Eastlake improved to 17-6-2 with the win while La Costa Canyon dropped to 7-12-4.
Cornerkicks
Eastlake advanced to this year’s final after capturing a 4-3 shootout win over third-seeded Patrick Henry in semifinal-round play on March 1. Jennifer Pham, Kimmel and McFarland each scored regulation goals, but the Lady Patriots tied the game with two late goals to send the match into overtime.
After a scoreless 15-minute overtime period, the teams proceeded to the kicks from the mark tiebreaker where McFarland scored the winning goal. Hinojosa was credited with nine saves in the match.
The Lady Titans blanked seventh-seeded Coronado, 2-0, in quarterfinal action on Feb. 25. McFarland scored both goals in the game while Hinojosa made three saves to record the shutout victory.
Eastlake tuned up for the playoffs with a 7-1 win against visiting Southwest on Feb. 16 to close out Mesa League play. Veronica Avalos led the scoring parade with three goals and one assist while McFarland chipped in with two goals and one assist.
Tiana Knox also scored twice while Osorio collected two assists. Kimmel and Pham were credited with one assist each.
Hinojosa and Mia Shalit each played a half in front of the net.
McFarland led the team in season scoring with 17 goals and five assists while Hinojosa recorded eight shutouts.
