CdM uses magic McBean

IRVINE — Jack McBean, the freshman phenom for the Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer team, used but one word to describe how he felt after scoring a game-winning goal with less than a minute left.

Turns out, that same word could also sum up his game against University at Las Lomas Community Park Wednesday.

“Amazing,” the 5-foot-11 striker said after making his teammates, as well as CdM fans, shout in celebration for a 2-1 Pacific Coast League win.

McBean didn’t look like a first-year varsity player, as he helped the Sea Kings (17-1-1, 6-1-1 in league) stay in contention for a league title and deal the Trojans (10-5-2, 6-1-0) their first PCL loss. CdM remains in second place behind the defending league champion. But a loss for Uni in one of its last three games would give the Sea Kings the title if they win their final two games against San Juan Hills and Beckman. If the Trojans tie in that scenario, the teams would share the title.

CdM avenged its only loss of the season, thanks to McBean and an assist from Reed Williams, who was playing at about 80% with a sore right hamstring.

Williams, the UCLA-bound senior striker who has 24 goals, did not score for the first time in the 13 games he’s played in this season. But he did produce a huge assist.

With the seconds ticking toward the final whistle, CdM Coach George Larsen pleaded to his players to pick up the pace. They appeared sluggish at times during the second half, playing against the wind, going uphill at the park in Irvine.

Perhaps, it’s because the Sea Kings are going through finals this week in their classes. McBean took two finals Tuesday, two more Wednesday and he has a honors biology final today. It can be said he passed the test on the field against the Trojans.

Williams chipped a pass in the box, near McBean, who flicked the ball with his head. The ball bounced and settled just inside the far post, setting off loud cheers from the Sea Kings’ sideline.

“Jack, even though he is a freshman, showed his experience and his character,” Larsen said. “His whole game was on display. To go up against the older kids like that and score like that, it’s a really good day for him.

“Reed has gotten a lot of accolades this year with his goal scoring, but we’ve got a pretty special kid next to him. He deservedly got rewarded for his effort today.”