Consistency is key for Royal boys' soccer squad
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

It's been an up-and-down start to the season for the Royal High boys' soccer team.

Under the leadership of firstyear head coach Will Beard, the Highlanders (7-8-1, 2-2 in league) won their first four matches of the year by a combined score of 11-1.

RHS followed its hot start with four losses and a tie, and the team's roller coaster of results has continued right into Marmonte League competition, where they've beaten Calabasas and Agoura but lost to Thousand Oaks and Westlake.

Following Wednesday's 1-0 home loss to Westlake, Beard said his team remains a group that's still searching for an identity following last year's league championship and subsequent coaching change.

"It's a very difficult transition," said Beard, who replaced longtime Royal coach Kevin Corley during the offseason.

"We expect success. The top seniors from last year are gone, and other guys have to step up in their place. Some of the guys are still adapting to that role. For our future, for our program, for this season, our key players must make sure they're stepping up and producing every game."

Senior forward Paris Figueroa remains the Highlanders' top scoring threat. Playing in the team's ballcontrolled, possession-friendly offensive scheme, Figueroa has posted team highs in goals (seven) and assists (five).

"Paris is our silent leader," Beard said. "He's not a vocal guy, but he shows his leadership on the field."

Kenton Boswell, a senior midfielder, can put the ball in the back of the net, too. Serving as more of a vocal leader than Figueroa, Boswell has scored five goals and has added two assists this season.

Boswell, along with Gabriel Contreras and Gerry Samayoa, are serving as team captains for Royal.

Samayoa said after posting a 10-0-4 record in the Marmonte last year while running away with the league title, no teams are taking the Highlanders lightly this season.

"Teams are excited to play us. We were undefeated league champions," Samayoa said. "Now we have to step up and beat them, and we like that. We like being the underdogs now and knowing teams are coming right at us."

Royal plays at Newbury Park High tonight at 6 p.m.