Royal High School soccer girls eke past Wahluke, 2-1

ROYAL CITY - With a playoff appearance looming, the Royal Knights defeated Wahluke, 2-1 in two overtimes, last week in SCAC East girls high school soccer.

"The girls were perfectly clear what was at stake," coach Jens Jensen said. "For the first time in a number of years they have a legitimate chance of getting into districts."

To do so would require that Royal use its home field advantage to get winning results against Wahluke and Granger.

"Half the battle was won Tuesday night," Jensen said.

Royal's first goal came early in the first half from a second ball played into the area after a first - a free kick - was cleared by Wahluke.

The Warriors tried to push out, and Jennifer Ledezma was able to play a perfect ball into the space they left. Ashley Orozco hammered the bouncing ball into the back of the net.

"She caught it clean and surprised everyone, including herself," Jensen said.

Wahluke tied the score with less than a minute left to play in the first half. The ball was played into the center, and Karina Tamayo got a low shot past Royal keeper Guadalupe Guadarrama to the far post.

The 1-1 score held up to the end of the first overtime. Both teams had chances but failed to get the ball home.

Late in the second OT, the Royal girls were able to get a ball in front of the Wahluke net. It fell to Nalleli Arellano's feet, and she caught the ball well and beat the keeper to score the winning goal.