LOS ALAMITOS >> It was one of the better strikes Millikan girls soccer coach Tino Nunez has seen this season.

Unfortunately, for Millikan, the goal was scored by Los Alamitos senior Marisa Salazar with less than 25 minutes to go.

“I got the ball wide and took it in and I saw a little opening and I was like, let me take that shot and it sailed in,” Salazar said.

Los Alamitos senior Marisa Salazar breaks down her game-winning goal against Millikan in the 2nd round of CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. Millikan coach Tino Nunez and Los Al coach Pat Rossi both independently said it was one of the best goals they’ve witnessed. @LosAlAthletics pic.twitter.com/OIWodOUJzN

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) February 17, 2022

“It was a top-notch goal,” added Los Alamitos coach Pat Rossi. “I knew it was going to be a close scoring game. I knew one goal was probably going to decide it, so once I saw that goal got in, we got organized in the back and we knew they were going to come after us.”

Los Alamitos (17-4-5) went on to win 1-0 against Millikan (19-4-2) in the second round of CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs Wednesday night at Los Alamitos High School.

Los Alamitos girls soccer runs on the field to celebrate their 1-0 win against Long Beach Millikan in @CIFSS Division 1 playoffs. @BeachVarsity @presstelegram @LosAlAthletics pic.twitter.com/1fvAxyX85M

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) February 17, 2022

It was a rivalry game, as the two schools are located less than 3 miles apart.

It was also the second time the two teams played this season, with Millikan having won 2-1 on Dec. 4.

“It’s more of a chess match because they know what you have, you know what they have,” Rossi said. “Be in control of your emotions because it can be highly emotional in terms of knowing the (Millikan) players, it’s CIF.”

Rossi said he advised his players to put aside their emotions for 80 minutes and focus on the opportunity to advance in the playoffs.

“They know when it’s game time, it’s game time,” Rossi said. “Be respectful before, during and after but understand that we’re here to take care of business and we’re here to win.”

Los Alamitos girls soccer coach Pat Rossi on the rivalry against Long Beach Millikan. @presstelegram @BeachVarsity @LosAlAthletics #LBVarsity pic.twitter.com/h4DVOAUcRn

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) February 17, 2022

In the opening minutes, Millikan was aggressive early but Los Alamitos dominated shots on goal in the first half.

At halftime, it was nil-nil but Los Alamitos kept up its attack and stout defense.

Millikan had seven shots on goal but the Rams were not able to get anything past Los Alamitos senior goalkeeper Aurora Schuck, who finished with a clean sheet.

“I’m proud of all the work that our girls have put in. Obviously, you didn’t want it to end,” said Nunez. “It’s a tough way to get out but they gave it their all. Somebody has to win these games and unfortunately, we’re the ones that have to be out of the competition.”

For Millikan, this was a season of uncertainty, as they had games postponed due to COVID-19.

“I wanted to make sure that they left here with their head held high because they deserve that,” Nunez said. “They were always there and they were always about Millikan soccer. As a coach that makes it easy for me. I just told them thanks for all the experiences, all the highs.

“I’m just proud of this group.”

Millikan girls soccer coach Tino Nunez is proud of his team’s effort against Los Alamitos in the Division 1 playoffs. Los Alamitos won 1-0 Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/a4ogBuNLu0

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) February 17, 2022

Nunez believes his team did a good job containing Los Alamitos for the majority of the match.

However, when Salazar got into open space in the 57th minute, she found the back of the net, which put the Griffins up 1-0.

“I had a couple of chances in this game in the first half I was messing up, but this one I saw the open goal backside, so I was like let me shoot it and I capitalized on my opportunity,” Salazar explained.

Los Alamitos will play at Harvard-Westlake in the quarterfinals Saturday, Feb. 19.

“I’m very excited since this is my last year, I want to go as far as possible, can’t wait,” Salazar concluded.

Los Alamitos Girls Soccer is ready for the second half against Long Beach Millikan. @BeachVarsity @presstelegram @LosAlAthletics pic.twitter.com/XK8K7rBqBu

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) February 17, 2022

Related Articles