Eagles win league again

COSTA MESA — The third time was the charm for the Estancia High boys’ soccer team.

The Eagles, who had lost to Laguna Beach in the teams’ first two league meetings, beat the Breakers, 2-1, at Estancia on Tuesday. With the win, Estancia clinches its second straight Orange Coast League championship.

“We finally got a win against them,” Estancia Coach Gannon Burks said in a phone interview. “I’m really proud of all our boys, because they played clean and hard. This was a gut check, and our guys showed a lot of character.”

Estancia (10-6-3, 7-2 in league) took the lead in the 29th minute, when senior Eric Duarte was tackled just outside the box by a rushing Laguna Beach goalie, who earned a yellow card. Duarte took the free kick from about 30 yards out on the right side, booting it in to give the Eagles an early lead.

Laguna Beach (12-6-4, 5-3-1) answered six minutes later, and the game was tied 1-1 for much of the second half before Duarte was fouled in the box in the 74th minute.

Duarte, who suffered an injury to his knee area, was taken to the hospital. Burks was awaiting word Tuesday night on the severity of the injury.

But senior Danny Martinez scored the penalty kick, giving Estancia the win. Andres Villareal made five saves for the Eagles, who Burks said also benefited from stellar play from center midfielder Rony Argueta, sweeper Earvin Bahena and Hector Gomez.

— From staff reports