Royal High Regains Flush of Success With 4-1 Victory

AGOURA HILLS — Seeking to lay to rest rumors of its demise, Royal High rolled over Agoura, 4-1, Wednesday in a Marmonte League boys’ soccer opener at Agoura High.

The Highlanders (4-1-1) rebounded from a dreadful performance Saturday at the Burroughs High tournament, where they sleepwalked through a semifinal loss to Saugus before sluggishly claiming third place with a shootout victory over Kennedy.

It was an unexpected performance by Royal, which shared the Marmonte League title last season before claiming the Southern Section Division I championship.

Wednesday, all was back to normal.

Displaying an attacking style that produced repeated rushes on the Agoura goal, the Highlanders scored twice during a three-minute span late in the first half.

“We hadn’t been putting the ball through into open space and letting our guys with speed run onto it,” Royal Coach Kevin Corley said. “Today we did that constantly. I told the guys the first 10 minutes and the first half were very important because we had to let other teams know we’re as good as last year.”

In the 31st minute, midfielder Caleb Westbay raced in alone and Agoura goalie Bryan Pelto pulled Westbay down. The ensuing penalty shot was converted by Sean Gesell.

Two minutes later, Royal went up, 2-0, when midfielder Dan Wilson kicked in a 15-yard shot from the left side.

Ryan Gesell and Brandon Kay added goals for Royal in the second half.

Kyle Alexander scored for Agoura (3-2-2) in the 72nd minute.