Bonita-Diamond Ranch game story
South Hills-Los Altos game story
Bishop Amat-La Salle game story
Glendora vs. St. Lucy’s game story

Interview with Diamond Ranch’s Lauren Montenegro after 3-3 tie with Bonita
After a December of covering hoops, I thought I would get out this week and watch our local soccer teams, and was impressed with Tuesday’s Miramonte League opener, which ended in a 3-3 tie between defending league champ Bonita and surging Diamond Ranch. Two players really stood out. Bonita forward Deborah Musa scored to tie the game, 2-2, then set-up a goal with a run into the penalty area where she was taken down to set up a penalty kick. Musa’s great with the ball at her feet, she’s quick, and dangerous when she gets the ball in space. Diamond Ranch’s Lauren Montenegro is what we use to call a “roamer.” She sits behind the forwards in an attacking midfield role most of the time, and set up two beautiful goals with quick passes into space for forwards to run onto. But what I like about her is her sense for the game. She knows when to get back and help her team, when to push forward, and can shoot and set-up teammates. In other games on Tuesday, I was surprised to learn that Charter Oak beat Wilson, 3-0, and Los Altos knocked off South Hills, 2-1, in an interesting non-league encounter. And how about this, Northview goes down against Covina, 2-1, in the Valle Vista League opener, holding the Vikings’ fabulous freshman, Khalalah Todd, to just a goal. Bishop Amat blew a two-goal lead before losing to defending CIF champ La Salle in their Del Rel League opener, and Arroyo easily defeated El Monte, 4-1, behind a pair of goals from Geny Hernandez.. This afternoon I’m going to Damien High to watch St. Lucy’s and Glendora go head-to-head in the Sierra League opener.

Video: Player profile of Northview striker Khalalah Todd, who is among the Southern Section scoring leaders, and she’s only a freshman.And for all you soccer fans, take a look at the next great Brazilian, “Kerlon”