Sims Chip Shots Agoura Past Simi Valley

Heather Sims took a cross from Emily Skiles and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Sarah Swancutt in the second minute Wednesday, lifting Agoura High over Simi Valley, 1-0, in a Marmonte League girls’ soccer game at Agoura.

Simi Valley (9-7-2, 3-3 in league play), the defending league champion, played without Cindy Mallet, a senior sweeper and a two-time member of The Times’ all-region team who was ill with flu. Coach Mark Johnson said he warned the Pioneers to expect an early push from Agoura, but to no avail.

“I told them they’d get killed in the first five minutes if they weren’t ready,� Johnson said. “They all froze and [Swancutt] stood and watched the ball come across. She’s usually better than that.�

Despite talented teams, Agoura (9-4-2, 4-1-1) has not made the playoffs in the last five seasons, earning a reputation for underachievement. But the Chargers have lost only to undefeated Westlake in league play.

“We have good leadership from the seniors and extraordinary talent among the younger players,� said Kim Warren, Agoura’s second-year coach. “I think this was a pivotal game and gives us a lot of momentum.�