The562’s coverage of high school soccer is sponsored by Long Beach FC.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
Long Beach Poly put together a relentless barrage of scoring chances in the second half, as their home fans and coaching staff cheered them on.
“It’s coming!,” was the cry from the Jackrabbits’ bench as they desperately searched for an equalizer against Laguna Beach.
Unfortunately for the green & gold, despite their persistence, the goal they deserved eluded them for the rest of the night, as they dropped a disappointing 2-1 decision in the CIF-SS Division 4 quarterfinals.
“I’m beyond proud,” said an emotional Poly head coach Carlos Casillas. “We come to this program because we love this school, and seeing our boys leave it all on the field, what more can you ask for?”
The visiting Breakers took the lead in the 15th minute after a slow start to the game, as Julian Reichel made a run behind the Poly backline. He got on the end of a long ball ahead by Jackson Arrasin, and put home a volley past Poly keeper Noel Gutierrez. That ended Poly’s playoff shutout streak at 175 minutes, and put Laguna Beach up 1-0.
Poly answered 10 minutes later with some nice passing and ball pressure along the right side. Roger Juarez played a ball through for Joseph Lemus, who rounded his defender to keep the ball in play, before Kaya Paz intercepted the attempted clearance and laid off a perfect assist to the waiting feet of Joshua Martinez who calmly buried his chance to make it a 1-1 game.
Laguna Beach was able to take the lead a few minutes before half, scoring what would prove to be the game-winner on one of their three corner kicks on the night. Dakota Guzman was waiting at the back post and got a strong bouncing header off towards the opposite post, sending it off the woodwork and in for the 2-1 lead.
The Jackrabbits then bossed the majority of the second half, earning three corners in the first 10 minutes out of the break, and generating a number of quality chances.
Senior Roberto Bermudez was as dynamic as ever creating opportunities for himself and for his teammates, but the ball never quite bounced Poly’s way. It was an emotional loss for the Jackrabbits who felt they’d done enough to at least force extra time, but will instead settle for their second quarterfinal appearance in the past three seasons.
“I’m just proud of my seniors,” said Casillas. “What more can you ask from these boys but to play for your school, play the sport that you love, and leave it all on the field. That’s one of the reasons I came back to coach, because I love his school.”
Laguna Beach will host Santa Ana in the semifinals on Saturday.
