Sports
Mustangs Strike Fast in Rout of Lawndale Charter
Mira Costa High boys soccer team runs right through the White Tigers in a 5-0 victory.
The Mira Costa High Mustangs easily rolled over Lawndale Charter 5-0 on Thursday in a non-league match that got out of hand early.
The Mustangs' first goal came about midway through the first half. Junior Andy Macedo was making a run down field and crossed the ball. Senior forward Charlie Pitts cut through the middle and put the ball into the back of the net to give Costa a 1-0 lead.
"We knocked the balls out to the wings and that really opened up the game for us. We were able to spread the field and get lots of chances to score," said Mira Costa coach Gary Smith.
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The Mustangs had several chances to extend their lead in the first half, but they missed when close to the goal and went into the half with that 1-0 lead.
"I think it was a good game. I am glad it stayed close and they did not get a lead early. If we got an early lead, we would probably have played with less intensity," Smith said.
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Costa put in another goal just two minutes into the second half. Macedo was able to move the ball deep into the left corner. As he maneuvered around the last Charter defender, he shot the ball to the far post and the ball just trickled right into the goal.
Just like in the first half, the Mustangs had many opportunities to score, but they could not capitalize until late in the game. Charter's defense began to wear down, and Mira Costa was able to put in three goals in the final eight minutes.
Seniors Augie Diaz, Joe Valenzuela and D.J. Peper were all able to score, with Peper's goal coming in the last minute.
"Yes, we had lots of chances, and we probably could have capitalized more. But five goals is enough for the win and we're glad that our defense was strong and that we controlled the ball more than the blown chances that we had," Diaz said.
Smith told Patch that he was "happy" with the game.
"They did not put a lot of pressure onto us, and when there is not a lot of pressure you have time to make decisions. As you can see by the score, we had many chances because of the time that we had, and we converted those chances into a bunch of goals," Smith said.
"Today allowed us to work on our skills, but it was not a huge step forward for us. We do not want to play a lot of teams of that caliber in the long run.''
Mira Costa plays again Tuesday, when they travel to Culver City to take on the Centaurs.
