Royal tops Mabton, 5-1, advances to 9-1 in soccer

ROYAL CITY - No matter where they go, the Royal High School soccer Knights are dominating the action. 

Royal defeated Granger, 4-0, on the road, and Mabton, 5-1, at home last week to improve to 8-1 in the South Central A Conference and 9-1 overall.

Royal took the lead at Granger in the first half on a diving header by Alex Ramirez on a cross by Jose Nava. Adam Martinez provided three goals for insurance.

"He kept at the Granger back line and, eventually, they began to wear down," coach Jens Jensen said.

Jensen said the first half was a bit shaky. Granger had one close call, but Royal keeper Lupe Arceo snuffed out the attack.

Royal controlled the Mabton contest nearly from the beginning. Martinez scored at the 4:51 mark.

"Adam was big for us once again," Jensen said.

Martinez provided the second goal in the 32nd minute and the final goal at the 80:28 mark. Royal's other goals, including a wonder strike, came from substitute defense man Uriel Carmona in the second half.

Mabton scored its lone goal in the 63rd minute, well after the contest was lost. The Vikings had eight shots on goal, but Royal had seven saves, five by Arceo.

Royal had 11 shots on goal, 23 shots all together.

Royal travels to Naches today for a 4 p.m. contest. It will host Connell on Saturday at 11 a.m.