Mira Costa’s defense propels girls soccer team to second round of CIF Division 2 playoffs
McKenna Doyle scored the winning goal in Mira Costa’s 2-0 first-round in the CIF Division 2 playoffs. Photo
In a hard-fought, physical game, Mira Costa battled its way to a 2-0 win against visiting Royal to advance to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 Girls Soccer Championships presented by Farmers.
While a strong Mustang defense kept Royal in check, a crisp passing game helped Coach Patty Perkinson’s offense score one goal in each half.
McKenna Doyle broke the scoreless tie in the 31st minute and Mandy McKeegan sealed the victory with a goal in the 46th minute.
Although Mira Costa’s top scorer Kimby Keever didn’t reach the net, she did assist on both goals.
Perkinson said the Mustangs are excited about having a second straight home game.
“I’m very pleased with the way the girls are playing,” Perkinson said. “They are playing with such poise and confidence. We are back playing Costa soccer like we were after winning both the South Tournament and the Orange County Tournament. The girls have great chemistry right now and if they keep it up we have a great shot winning the second round.”
Sixth-seeded Mira Costa (22-3-2) won a coin toss and will host Temecula Valley (20-3-3) in the second round on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Bay League champion and fourth-seeded West Torrance (21-4-2) edged Canyon/Canyon Country 1-0 and will host Newbury Park (15-4-2) in the second round.
Peninsula (13-9-1), the Bay League’s third team, lost at No. 10 Westlake 2-1 and Palos Verdes (15-7-4) will play at top-seeded Sunny Hills (25-0-2) at 3 p.m. on Monday.
In Division 3, Bishop Montgomery (13-10-2) was shutout 3-0 by second-seeded Los Altos.
Fifth-seeded Torrance (17-5-1) eliminated Bellflower 5-0 in a Division 4 first-round game and will host Notre Dame Academy (11-7-3) on Wednesday. South Torrance (18-5-3) also advanced with a 2-0 win against visiting Culver City. The No. 6 Spartans will host Sierra Canyon (18-6) in the second round.
In Division 7, Vistamar (14-0) defeated St. Paul 6-2 and will host No. 6 Santa Clarita Christian (16-0-4) on Wednesday.
Brackets, times and results are available at cifss.org.