By Horst Noppenberger, Special to the Independent
The LBHS boys’ varsity soccer team maintained their preseason, unbeaten record with a come from behind 1-1 tie against soccer power-house Tesoro High School.
Early in the game, Tesoro shot from inside the six-yard box, which deflected off a LBHS defender for a goal. Laguna then mounted a determined response led by goalkeeper Bryce Williamson, who came out of the box to block shots on several Tesoro challenges.
The first scoring opportunity for LBHS came when mid-fielder Pierce Neal found some space at the top of the Tesoro box and sent a strike which was just tipped over the cross bar by the Tesoro goal keeper.
Second half action found Williamson once again dominating in the final third as he came out of the box to break up a Tesoro challenge. Moments later, LBHS mid-fielder Joseph Rosseau received a well placed cross from Reece Barton. His one-touch volley soared beyond the out-streched arms of the Tesoro keeper and unfortunately, just inches above the cross bar. Another Tesoro counter-offensive was denied when Williamson blocked a shot inside the six yard box. Laguna’s golden moment came when freshman mid-fielder Harrison Gregory received a pass from Miguel Jaimes and sent his shot into the far corner of the Tesoro net, to tie the game.
Late in the second half, Laguna had a chance to take the lead, when a header by Joseph Rousseau on a free kick just missed the Tesoro net.
The team plays Friday, Dec. 16, at Aliso Niguel High School. Game time for varsity is 5 p.m.
Architect Horst Noppenberger is a Laguna parent.
