Royal defeats rival Warriors, 1-0, in girls soccer

ROYAL CITY - The Royal High School girls soccer team did not make it to the postseason, but it finished the season last week on a happy note.

On a second half goal by Nalleli Arellano, Royal defeated arch-rival Wahluke, 1-0, in the final match of the year.

The scoring play came in the 59th minute of the contest when Royal's two forwards hooked up. Cynthia Cid-Beltran committed the last defender and slotted Arellano a ball that Arellano finished low and to the goalkeeper's left.

"We played tough at home, beating everyone except the two league leaders, but the away matches were the difference," coach Jens Jensen said.

"Considering we start and play a number of freshmen, with only three seniors, and coming off a bottom of the table season last year, all in all we have done well," he added. "It is a testament to our three seniors, Cynthia Cid-Beltran, Jessica Hernandez and Elisa Hernandez."

- Staff report