Girls’ soccer in Huntington Beach is realizing its potential, but more challenges await – Orange County Register

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. subscribe now

Huntington Beach girls’ soccer coach Raul Ruiz expected his team to have a strong season and so far his belief is spot on.

The Oilers defeated Edison 1-0 in overtime in Tuesday’s opening Surf League game to build the momentum for a duel with reigning league champions Los Alamitos Thursday night.

Huntington Beach’s Tuesday win from a goal by freshman Sienna McAthy came about two weeks after the Oilers (15-2-1) played well in the Excalibur tournament. They reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual champions Santiago Corona on penalties 3-2. The score was 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

In the second round, Huntington Beach defeated Mater Dei 5-1.

“(We) feel great going into Thursday’s game,” said Ruiz. “We always respect our opponents, but never fear them.”

McAthy has scored 12 goals this season, adding one to an already talented team with several key returnees. The Oilers consist of USC-dedicated junior forward Jaiden Anderson and Santa Clara-tied senior midfielder Jacey Martinez.

The four-team Surf League looks competitive again.

Earlier this season, Huntington Beach defeated Edison 3-0 in the Best of the West League Two final. The Chargers will be considered in the Division 1 leaderboard.

Los Alamitos, ranked 10th in Division 1, defeated Newport Harbor 1-0 through a Sofia Bugarin goal in Surf League’s other opener on Tuesday. The runner-up headed in the second minute after a corner kick from senior Kayla Kanaly.

BIG GAME COMING TUESDAY

San Clemente (10-1-3) hosts San Juan Hills (9-0-3) in a South Coast League showdown Tuesday at 5:30 p.m

The Tritons are fifth in Division 1 while the Stallions are eighth.

REMARKS

Santa Margarita (11-0-1) is second in Division 1/2 behind Santiago Corona. …