High School Girls Soccer: Moriah Earley scores late for La Serna

La Serna High players celebrate after Tuesday’s 3-2 win over La Quinta. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer)

By Eric Terrazas, Staff Writer

WHITTIER – La Serna High faced adversity in Tuesday’s CIF-Southern Section Division 5 girls soccer semifinals, but it came through when it mattered most.

After surrendering a two-goal lead to visiting La Quinta in the second half, La Serna regrouped and retook the lead when Moriah Earley scored her second goal of the game in the 58th minute.

Thanks to a strong Lancers defense, Earley’s goal turned out to be the difference in La Serna’s 3-2 victory.

The Lancers are headed to their second consecutive division championship game. La Serna, which improved to 22-4-3, will play either Friday or Saturday against Cabrillo of Lompoc. The Lancers lost last year’s final to Downey, 2-1 in overtime.

“I’m really proud of our effort,” La Serna coach Tessa Troglia said.

“Everybody worked on offense and everybody worked on defense. It was nice.”

La Quinta, which finished the season 20-5-4, rallied after trailing 2-0 at halftime.

The Blackhawks started their rally when Brenda Barriga scored on a penalty kick during the 45th minute.

Brielle Leon then deadlocked the contest when she scored nine minutes later. Leon’s goal was set up by a corner kick.

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