The victory gave the Chargers (9-5-3, 3-3 in league) sole possession of third place in league, the final spot for a guaranteed CIF Southern Section playoff berth.
The Sailors (4-8-5, 2-3-1), playing without two starters, including senior star Elizabeth Eddy, dropped to fourth place and suffered its third straight loss.
Eddy, a midfielder bound for USC, was playing with the U.S. women’s under-20 team in Guatemala. She helped the Americans to a 1-0 victory over Mexico for the CONCACAF Championship crown.
Newport Harbor is now in desperate need of a win. The Tars haven’t won since Jan. 14 when they beat Los Alamitos, 1-0. The Griffins are in second place in league at 4-2.
Newport Harbor also tied, 1-1, with league-leader Esperanza (4-0-1 in league) Jan. 12.
“This one hurt,” Sailors Coach Larry Draluck said. “This one puts us out of the playoffs right now. We need come back and win some games. We have our work cut out for us.”
Getting Eddy back will most likely help. She is sometimes marked by two players. Her defense also gives the Sailors a big boost.
“When she’s here it’s a different situation,” Draluck said. “She’ll create other opportunities for other players.”
Megan Khademi, a striker, was out with an illness.
Still, Newport Harbor did have scoring opportunities. Shortly after a corner kick, Shannon Boler blasted a shot that sailed inches above the goal and hit the crossbar from the football field in the 22nd minute.
Newport Harbor goalkeeper Emily Browne, who recorded seven saves, made a great stop with 11 minutes left in the first half, kicking away a hard shot by the Chargers.
However, Edison continued to attack and broke through with seven minutes left in the first half. That’s when Fedele’s corner kick floated perfectly toward Duren, who was in front of the cage and she headed it in.
