Boys’ soccer: Animo is still king of the hill in Harbor League

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Animo Leadership has had a tough act to follow this season: it’s own.

The Aztec Eagles went undefeated and untied on their way to the Southern Section Division VI championship last winter and though aspirations of another unblemished season ended in November, their pursuit of a second consecutive section title is still very much alive, especially if Animo keeps playing as it did in Thursday’s 6-1 Harbor League victory over New Community Jewish at Balboa Park.

Fernando Barba, Roberto Alvarez, Andy Payeras, Celestino Diaz, Damian Hidalgo and Missael Moreno each scored for Animo (13-2-3 overall, 6-0 in league), top-ranked in the Division VI coaches’ poll and sole possessors of first place in league. Jesse Fishman scored his 20th goal of the season and goalie Garrett Pemstein made 15 saves for New Community Jewish (8-1-1, 7-1-1). The teams meet again Thursday at Ed Vincent Park.

Since a 2-0 loss to West Torrance on Dec. 22, Animo has reeled off six wins and one tie, outscoring its seven opponents, 52-4. The Aztec Eagles are undefeated (9-0-3) on the road and average 4.4 goals a game. No, perfection isn’t in the cards this season, but Thursday’s triumph proved Animo is still king of the hill in the Harbor League -- perhaps all of Division VI to boot.

-- Steve Galluzzo

-- Image from www.wildrosegraphics.com