Pink posts shutout victory

The Laguna Pink, a girls’ AYSO Region 86 10-and-under soccer team, got their season off to a good start, winning its opener against Rancho Santa Margarita before battling Laguna Niguel to a scoreless tie.

Laguna 5, Rancho Santa Margarita 0

Laguna opened its season Saturday on the road and scored an impressive victory over Rancho Santa Margarita.

Goalies Nina Bo, Summer Dvorak, Brooke Borges, and Peighton McRobie rotated in the net to combine on the shutout. The dribbling and passing of forwards Audrey Pillsbury, Francie Holte and Makenzie Fischer continually was able to penetrate the Rancho Santa Margarita defense.

Fisher and Joanna Abarca scored first-half goals and Brena Merchant scored once and McRobie scored twice in the second half.

Midfielders Merchant, Kira Thornton and Anika Larsen prevented Rancho Santa Margarita from penetrating into Laguna’s half of the field. Jamie Duncan anchored the defensive line.

“We were very impressed with how the girls played in their very first match,” Pink Coach Wendi Dvorak said. “They put on quite a display today.”

Assistant Coach Todd Thornton was equally impressed.

“This is a talented group of girls,” he said.

Laguna Beach 0, Laguna Niguel 0

On Sunday, Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel fought through a scoreless match at Thurston Middle School.