DOWNEY -- For Downey High School's girls soccer team, the third time was the charm.The Vikings, which had advanced to the CIF finals for the third time in four years, captured the CIF Div. V championship in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over La Serna High School last Saturday in Mission Viejo. The Vikings opened the scoring early in the second half when Claudia Lopez scored from about 40 yards out. La Serna's Savannah Francis scored to tie the score with only 10 minutes remaining in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Five minutes into the first overtime period, Downey ended the game when Janeth Acuna slipped in between the goalie and a defender to score the final goal. The CIF title is the first championship for Downey's girls soccer team. Downey finished league play undefeated with a 9-0-1 record and compiled a 14-game winning streak after starting its season with seven consecutive losses. The Vikings advanced to the state Div. I playoffs but were eliminated Tuesday by Carlsbad, 1-0.

********** Published: March 08, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 47