Royal Takes Advantage of Crespi Penalty, 1-0

Despite being outplayed in the first 55 minutes, Royal High escaped with a 1-0 victory over Crespi on Friday night in the Burroughs boys’ soccer tournament quarterfinals in Burbank.

The loss prevented Crespi (3-1) from starting 4-0 for the first time since 1986.

“The last time I’ve seen Crespi play that good was probably in the early ‘80’s,” said Royal Coach Andy Silva, whose team faces Newbury Park in today’s semifinals. “Crespi is no slouch. In the first 25 minutes, they put a lot of pressure on us. They had us running around like chickens with our heads cut off. We were chasing balls all over the place.”

Royal (4-0) entered the game with a reputation for being one of the region’s most physical teams. But it was the Celts who were physical in the first half, when they collected 17 fouls and dictated play.

With Crespi applying pressure, Royal was forced to play long-ball soccer until momentum swung its way when Crespi defender John Robert Hoyer was called for a handball in the box in the 56th minute.

Midfielder Randy Wilson converted the penalty kick, the first goal the Celts have allowed this season.

“I don’t think anyone expected us to win the game except for ourselves,” Crespi midfielder Taylor Canel said. “We lost on an unfortunate call, but we proved we can play with the best. We showed we are one of the elite.”

The Celts’ best chance to score came on David Vega’s free kick from 25 yards in the 33rd minute. Royal goalkeeper Rafael Calderon made a diving save to keep the game scoreless.

“Soccer is a funny game,” said Crespi Coach Rob Kodama, whose team had outscored opponents, 16-0, in their previous three games.

“If you dominate a basketball game like we did today, you’d win by a least a few points. This was a great test for us. This is what’s going to make us better. Royal is a great team.”

Wilson, who scored the game’s only goal, empathized with Crespi.

“I’d feel bummed if I was them,” Wilson said. “I’ve had it happen to me before too.”