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Mustangs start Holiday season with clutch win
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Kelly Blais’ header early in the second half narrowed the score to 2-1. Photo by Ray Vidal |
After trailing 2-0, Mira Costa came back to tie Louisville in the South Torrance Holiday Tournament, then won the shootout — and the tournament behind some clutch goalkeeping by senior Chelsea McCarthy. Kelly Blais scored off a pass from Lindsey Veris at the start of the second half to narrow the deficit to 2-1. With three minutes left, Sarah Gelb threw the ball into Kelly Blais, who headed it into the goal to tie the game at 2-2 and force the shootout. The Mustangs won the shoot-out 6-5, with McCarthy saving three kicks to get the narrow edge.
Coach Patty Perkinson praised her players for their heart and determination. The victory was the first time Mira Costa has won the Holiday Tournament since she became coach. She noted that the win is a great confidence builder going into the regular season.
In other South Torrance Holiday Tournament action, Redondo tied Edison 1-1 but lost the shootout 8-7. Morgan Mathis scored 13 minutes into the game to give Edison a 1-0 lead, but Katie Shield tied it for Redondo in the 57th minute to set up the penalty kick round.
South Torrance lost its first two games to Maynard and Notre Dame Academy, but then beat Long Beach Jordan 6-0 and Lancaster 4-1 to salvage 25th place. ER
Forward Crystal James drives on the goal. Photo by Ray Vidal