January 29, 2026

Written by Dave Smith

RIVERSIDE:  The King girls soccert team (2-3-2 in the Big 8, 14-6-5 overall) hosted division leader Santiago in a key league battle. Santiago controlled the action early in the game with excellent off the ball movement from their midfielders which created open players in strong attacking positions. In the 19^th minute, a ball played from wide traveled into the box where a Santiago forward was able to flick the ball behind themselves and into the net to make the score 1-0.

With under two minutes left in the half, a Santiago forward was able to beat her defender and placed a shot that deflected off the goalkeeper and front post and spun back into the goal to make the halftime score 2-0. In the 53^rd minute, Santiago got the ball wide again and sent a pass into the box which was played off a volley in the air to find the back of the net to make it 3-0. Five minutes later, senior Angelina Enriquez lofted a ball to Lucy Allen who was making a well-timed run into the box. With the goalkeeper coming right at Lucy, she was able to take a shot that eluded the keeper to score a goal to make the final score 3-1.

The girls knew it was going to be a battle tonight and they showed up to give their best efforts. We never stopped competing throughout the game and made Santiago have to convert incredible plays to score on us tonight. With only two games left in the season and a playoff spot within our reach if we can get some wins, the girls understand the importance of every game and are up to the task to do what it takes to be victorious. Senior Lilly Guerrero said after the game, “Santiago is always a tough team to play but I think we showed some grit towards the end, but we need to play with a little more urgency. Unfortunately, we cam but short, but it’s on to Centennial where we need a win”

We finish our season with games against the top three teams in our league. All of them utilize a formation that requires great effort, communication, and teamwork to defend against. I believe that we will play our most inspired game of the season tomorrow when we play Centennial with a playoff spot in the balance.