Godinez Coach Ruben Fernandez talks with his players Saturday at Mira Costa. (Photo courtesy Godinez athletics)
Godinez High’s boys soccer team had quite a run to the semifinal round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs, but the Grizzlies were unable to pull off another victory, losing to MIra Costa 6-0 Saturday at Mira Costa.
Mira Costa (14-1-3) moves on to the finals next weekend against Loyola (19-1-2) which defeated Servite 1-0 in the other semifinal.
The season is not over for Godinez which will compete in the CIF State Regional tournament in the first week of June. Godinez (12-3-2) defeated Paramount 6-1, JSerra 3-1 and Santa Ana Valley 2-0 to reach the semifinal round.
“Tough game for us from the start,” said Godinez Coach Ruben Fernandez. “We gave up some early goals from two corner kicks and one throw in. They were a physical team with a huge size advantage and we could not defend set pieces very well. They are a team with a clear game plan and they play to their strengths perfectly. They are a very difficult team to play against because the high pressure you all over the field.
“We made some mistakes defensively and they were able to capitalize on them. We are looking to rebound from this setback and get ready for the Southern Cal Regional playoffs.”
Godinez Athletic Director Lisa Treen said the players should be proud of their playoff run, noting the challenges from restrictions and challenges in light of the COVID pandemic.
“Regardless if yesterday’s, loss we are all so extremely proud of our team and soccer program. Coach Fernandez team has managed to overcome tremendous difficulty in this COVID sports season and still be a D1 championship contender.
” It speaks volumes to the program that Coach Fernandez has built at Godinez and the level of character our student-athletes possess to reach such a competitive level during this year. This is truly a championship season for all of us … these boys will always be remembered as champions for what they’ve accomplished and what it took to go to the semifinal D1 contest in 2021.”
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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