Highlanders soccer off to fast start

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: January 1, 2025

2024-25 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS SOCCER

ECS staff report

Thurs., Dec. 12
Helix 5, Coronado 2

LA MESA – Facing a Coronado High side which entered the week with an undefeated record,the Helix Highlanders scored early, going on to post their highest goal prodfuction of the season to swamp the Islanders, 5-2, at Benton Hart Stadium.

Following 3-0 shutout victories over Grossmont and Clairemont to start the season, Helix displayed a poor start by allowing its first goal in more than 168 minutes this seaspm. A set piece off a corner kick allowed Ethan Messner to beat the goalkeeper.

However, it was all Scotties the rest of the way by scoring five consecutive goals, moving their record to an unblemished 3-0-0..

UPDATE: On Sat., Jan. 14, Helix returned to form with yet another 3-0 shutout triumph, this time against the Scripps Ranch Falcons.

The Highlanders (4-0-0) tallied their three goals on just 7 shots. Meanwhile, the goalie for Scripps Ranch was credited with 11 saves just ti keep the contest realitiely close.

UPDATE: Make it four shutout win– all by 3-0 counts — after undefeated Heix blanked visiting Hilltop.

The 5-0-0 start matches a 5-game unbaten streak by the 2019-20 Scotties, but that team went 3-0-2 to start before getting halted by Hilltop.

The 2016-17 Highlanders also were unbeaten in five, going 4-0-1.

The longest non-lsoing streak to open the season in recent memory came in 2008-09, going seven contests (5-0-2).

UPDATE: Helix emters the holiday break with a 6-1-0 overall record, capped by a 3-1 verdict over Valhalla. They stand as the lone GHL squad with a winning record.

The club returns to action at University City on Jan. 7, starting at 6 p.m., before entering Grossmont Hills Leaue action at home to Santana on Jan. 17 in a 7 p.m. first kick.

The Scotties hope to avenge a 5-0 loss to the Centurions from last season which snaped the team’s season-opening win streak.

Helix is the defending GHL champions.