Royal boys open soccer season with 5-0 shutout

ROYAL CITY — Playing their first full match of the season, the Royal Knights knocked off LaSalle, 5-0, last week in non-league high school soccer action.

The shutout was the result of a solid defensive team facing an emerging team. This is the LaSalle program’s second year.

“We are extremely happy that they have joined the league,” coach Jens Jensen said. “Additional teams provide additional state tournament allocations.”

Jensen said the Lightning had spirit and spunk. Their defense was not easy to break down by the Royal offense.

“I look forward to watching their program continue to grow and improve,” Jensen said.

As for his own team, Jensen said Royal worked out a few bugs and identified a few more.

“But we scored some nice goals and showed quickness in the attack,” he said.

Several Knights were involved in the attack, with midfielder Michael Rojas taking two shots and scoring twice. The other goals were by forward Jose Ponce, midfielder Danny Rojas and defender Alex Contreras.

Royal took eight shots on goal. LaSalle was unable to get even one.

Rojas scored first, in the 10th minute, unassisted. He scored the final goal in the 83rd minute on an assist by Julio Valencia.

Cuevas scored in the 13th minute unassisted. Ponce scored in the 21st minute on an assist from Rojas. Contreras scored in the 27th minute unassisted.