PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran advances to second round of CIF playoffs, faces Portola

Crean Lutheran’s Rian Gaeta battles for the ball against Brooklyn Ciccone of West Ranch. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano).

Crean Lutheran’s girls soccer team opened the CIF Division 2 playoffs defeating West Ranch 2-0 Thursday on the Crean Lutheran campus.

Crean Lutheran (6-3-7) moves on to the second round Saturday at 5 p.m. vs. Portola (10-3-5) at Portola.

Portola advanced with a 2-0 victory over Tesoro Thursday at Tesoro.

To see additional photos, click on the first picture:

Crean Lutheran's Corbyn Cosenza attempts a shot as West Ranch goalie Josslynn Forstyth defends.

Rian Gaeta of Crean Lutheran celebrates a goal with teamate Ava Erickson Thursday evening.

Crean Lutheran players celebrate the playoff victory.

Crean Lutheran’s goals were scored by Rian Gaeta on a “beautiful assist by Katelynn Welch and our keeper Kate Nourse scored the penalty kick,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Stephen Jennings.

“Very proud of our performance tonight, the girls played great,” Jennings said. “They put great pressure on West Ranch early on forcing turnovers and creating chances.

“Senior Rian Gaeta led the front line, forcing turnovers and making great runs. It was rewarded with a great goal from an assist by other senior Katelynn Welch. It’s always nice to get the first round win out of the way. These girls are ready to fight and keep it  going.

“We look forward to playing Portola on Saturday at Portola. We  know it will be a great contest. They have  had a great team in the last couple years.”

Crean Lutheran was the No. 3 team from the Freeway League. Portola finished second in the Pacific Coast League. 

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