Updated: Dec 14, 2007 - 00:16:21 PST
 Newport Harbor High's Emily Ohlhaver, right, dribbles the ball as Corona del Mar's Lexi Hensen defends during a 1-1 tie in the Battle of the Bay Thursday at Corona del Mar High. |
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No winners, no losers
SOCCER: High emotions and small breaths result in a tie in the girls' Battle of the Bay at CdM Thursday.
NEWPORT BEACH — One of the most dramatic games of the season ended in a draw Thursday at Corona del Mar High.
Newport Harbor (4-1-3) and Corona del Mar (4-3-1) each scored early in the first half, but neither could pull away, despite open looks at the goal, and the teams tied, 1-1.
Corona del Mar senior midfielder Alexandra Elias scored in the third minute off an assist from sophomore midfielder Hayley Raguse.
It didn’t take long for Newport Harbor to answer, and senior Emily Ohlhaver booted in the score off a left cross-kick from senior Crystal Mena in the 13th minute.
Solid defense from CdM freshman goalkeeper Lindsey Luke and Newport Harbor’s defenders kept the game tied for the rest of regulation.
Luke had seven saves for CdM, including catches on three straight possessions.
In the eyes of first-year head coach Larry Draluck, the pent-up energy for this one game was part of the reason why the Sailors were unable to settle down into the type of game they wanted to play.
“I want to play creative soccer,” Draluck said. “We tried, but we kind of got caught up in the emotion of the game. I don’t think we were able to relax and play with poise and actually play a thoughtful game. We played on our emotion, and I think the opponent did as well.”
One girl ran onto the field after halftime and let out a yell that seemed better-suited for a gladiator about to battle a lion.
Draluck called it false bravado.
“I said to them, ‘See guys? Is this Battle of the Bay or Bay of Pigs? What is it?’ ” Draluck said.
Ohlhaver and Rachel Baugh, both seniors, thought Corona del Mar controlled the tempo of the game and took the Sailors away from the more deliberate style of play they enjoy.
“It’s completely frustrating,” Baugh said. “We probably played one of our worst games, mostly because we played down to them. They play kind of a kick-it-and-run system, and we started doing the same thing, and it kind of cost us the game.”
Sea Kings Coach Bryan Middleton was encouraged by the fact that his young team could keep up with Newport Harbor, particularly since three CdM players suffer from athletic-induced asthma.
“[Elizabeth] Eddy, their top player, is very, very, very fast,” Middleton said. “I was trying to rotate girls on her and mark her with some speed that we had. It took a toll on us a little bit, but we still persevered all the way through.”
Middleton had to use some strategy with substituting players, because one girl would have too much trouble breathing to keep up, and would come off the field gasping and wheezing loudly.
Running hard in cool, dry air can trigger the attacks, and the Sea Kings were in luck that the final seconds were running down as sophomore defender Brynn Johnson plopped to her knees because of an asthma attack.
“It’s not like regular asthma because they’re only supposed to use their inhaler once before the competition,” Middleton said. “During it, they have to catch their breath on their own.”
Despite the difference in enrollment size between the two schools — Corona del Mar is much smaller than Newport Harbor — Middleton was loath to say that tying the Sailors was almost like a win.
“It’s not a win,” Middleton said. “It’s a tie, but character building and playing all the way through for the full 80 minutes, it’s a total positive experience for us in getting us prepared for league and hopefully the playoffs.”
SORAYA NADIA McDONALD may be reached at (714) 966-4613 or at soraya.mcdonald@latimes.com.
Newport Harbor (4-1-3) and Corona del Mar (4-3-1) each scored early in the first half, but neither could pull away, despite open looks at the goal, and the teams tied, 1-1.
Corona del Mar senior midfielder Alexandra Elias scored in the third minute off an assist from sophomore midfielder Hayley Raguse.
It didn’t take long for Newport Harbor to answer, and senior Emily Ohlhaver booted in the score off a left cross-kick from senior Crystal Mena in the 13th minute.
Solid defense from CdM freshman goalkeeper Lindsey Luke and Newport Harbor’s defenders kept the game tied for the rest of regulation.
Luke had seven saves for CdM, including catches on three straight possessions.
In the eyes of first-year head coach Larry Draluck, the pent-up energy for this one game was part of the reason why the Sailors were unable to settle down into the type of game they wanted to play.
“I want to play creative soccer,” Draluck said. “We tried, but we kind of got caught up in the emotion of the game. I don’t think we were able to relax and play with poise and actually play a thoughtful game. We played on our emotion, and I think the opponent did as well.”
One girl ran onto the field after halftime and let out a yell that seemed better-suited for a gladiator about to battle a lion.
Draluck called it false bravado.
“I said to them, ‘See guys? Is this Battle of the Bay or Bay of Pigs? What is it?’ ” Draluck said.
Ohlhaver and Rachel Baugh, both seniors, thought Corona del Mar controlled the tempo of the game and took the Sailors away from the more deliberate style of play they enjoy.
“It’s completely frustrating,” Baugh said. “We probably played one of our worst games, mostly because we played down to them. They play kind of a kick-it-and-run system, and we started doing the same thing, and it kind of cost us the game.”
Sea Kings Coach Bryan Middleton was encouraged by the fact that his young team could keep up with Newport Harbor, particularly since three CdM players suffer from athletic-induced asthma.
“[Elizabeth] Eddy, their top player, is very, very, very fast,” Middleton said. “I was trying to rotate girls on her and mark her with some speed that we had. It took a toll on us a little bit, but we still persevered all the way through.”
Middleton had to use some strategy with substituting players, because one girl would have too much trouble breathing to keep up, and would come off the field gasping and wheezing loudly.
Running hard in cool, dry air can trigger the attacks, and the Sea Kings were in luck that the final seconds were running down as sophomore defender Brynn Johnson plopped to her knees because of an asthma attack.
“It’s not like regular asthma because they’re only supposed to use their inhaler once before the competition,” Middleton said. “During it, they have to catch their breath on their own.”
Despite the difference in enrollment size between the two schools — Corona del Mar is much smaller than Newport Harbor — Middleton was loath to say that tying the Sailors was almost like a win.
“It’s not a win,” Middleton said. “It’s a tie, but character building and playing all the way through for the full 80 minutes, it’s a total positive experience for us in getting us prepared for league and hopefully the playoffs.”
SORAYA NADIA McDONALD may be reached at (714) 966-4613 or at soraya.mcdonald@latimes.com.
Reader Feedback
There are 11 comment(s) comments on this story:
player wrote on Dec 16, 2007 2:02 PM:
" instead of commenting on the negative aspects of what was a great game by both teams, newport harbors coach and players should have focused on their great game. by putting down cdm only made them look bad. this article does not mention so many things the game had, including strong heart and school pride that each time was playing with. And harbor...we'll play you again and this time don't knock one of our players teeth back and then talk bad about us in the paper. You did not beat us. don't make excuses "
Perspective wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:11 PM:
" As for the comments re Newport Harbor missing one of their top defensive players - we all know that one player doesn't make the "team" - quite obvious by Eddy and Hogan (National Team and ODP players) being shut down on numerous occasions during the game! CDM's defense should have received deserved praise and credit for their incredible contributions during the game, instead of the focus placed on players' difficulties with asthma. The CDM defense got it done and in the end, that's all the matters. "
cdm pro wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:22 PM:
" "played down to their level".very classy Can you spell good sportsmanship? "
Fan wrote on Dec 14, 2007 1:38 PM:
" Newport has yet to field all there players for there games . All league defendsive player Carly Ruiz is still out for a few weeks do to an injury . With her in the back will make the team complete . Very capable strong player with lots of talent and size. "
Soccer Fan wrote on Dec 14, 2007 1:29 PM:
" Newport has been missing there All League defendsive player, since the season started with a fractured cheek bone . Without her the team is missing vital player . She's a tall , strong and very skillful player.
Coach Draluck is a serious coach with great plans if only the parents stayed out of it. "
Sea Queen alum wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:53 PM:
" To Newport Harbor's Baugh, you need to develop some respect, this is high school soccer. To put down CdM in what was an exciting game is completely immature. Keep your frustrations private and learn how to get quoted in the newspaper. Your remarks show no class and instead only disrespect your opponent. Congrats to CdM and Middleton for putting up a fight and maintaining class. "
Tommy Tar wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:56 AM:
" Yes, there was a loser in this game. His name is Coach Draluck. The Battle of the Bay is the biggest game of the year. Every sport. Boys or girls. On the land or in the water. Don't you take a class in Harbor lore before you get a job as a Varisty Coach at Harbor? I can tell you never played sports at Newport Harbor or CDM. If you need some help come see me. You can find me right outside the sailor store. "
Reality Check wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:43 AM:
" This article is disappointing in so many respects, but especially the comments by Coach Draluck. Coach Draluck has years of experience in the soccer arena and one would expect a more professional demeanor, not to mention more focus on positive praise. Both teams played their hearts out to the bitter end and CDM deserves more credit not only from Coach Draluck but from NH's senior, Baugh. CDM proved its mettle and that it has a talented squad of determined players. CDM put Newport Harbor to the test - no excuses! "
Matlock wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:19 AM:
" Lets see.. you lost one game and tied 3... Darlin I dont think this was ne of your worst games "
smegg wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:14 AM:
" Larry Dralock is an egotistical a.....
and he is developing a team that matches his temperment.. "
CDM OBSERVER wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:06 AM:
" Lets play again.. "
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