DP's Rachel Smith finds the perfect angle past the Royal keeper for her second goal on Friday.
Dos Pueblos’ first-round CIF victory came with heavy hearts on Friday, as the Chargers defeated Royal 2-1 on the birthday of Lindsay Rose, who tragically passed away after a surfing accident in April of 2009.
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Dos Pueblos defender Emma Trumbull looks upfield with Royal's Kourtney Kingsmore in pursuit.
The team gathered together for a brunch earlier in the day and then talked about Lindsay’s legacy some more after the match.
“It’s definitely emotional,” said junior captain Rachel Smith, who scored both of DP’s goals on Friday. “The seniors are the same year as Lindsay and a lot of them are really close to her, and even the younger players like myself know her just from memories.
“She’s been a huge part of our program this year.”
Rose would have a lot to cheer about seeing the Chargers take a 2-0 lead in the first half on the strength of Smith’s two goals.
“I think we played really well as a team and we executed our game plan,” Smith said. “I think we all had something special on our mind. We all wanted to win for (Lindsay).”
Of course, Royal also wanted to win the CIF Southern Section Division 2 match and did well to fight its way back into the game.
“We didn’t play well in the first half,” said Royal head coach Kevin Corley “I don’t know if we weren’t ready mentally, we just weren’t into it. So that first half cost us.”
Royal’s defense had averaged 0.5 goals allowed per game in its previous 12 contests before giving up the two scores to Smith in the first 40 minutes of Friday’s game.
Chargers freshman Natalie Klapp sets up to cross the ball into the middle from the right corner.
Kelsea Matthews was able to cut Dos Pueblos’ lead in half by converting a penalty kick late in the first half and the Highlanders came on strong in the second half.
“We pressed and pressed and pressed, but they defended well,” said Corley.
Dos Pueblos’ Alex Camarillo was busy protecting DP’s goal throughout the second half. Camarillo made a number of saves, including a tough diving stop that saved a sure-goal.
“(Alex) always steps up in the big moments all season long,” said Chargers head coach Jose Guerrero.
Dos Pueblos played without senior Brandie Harris, who was out with illness but should return for Tuesday’s second round.
Royal finishes its season with an overall record of 13-9-4.
Dos Pueblos is is unbeaten in its last five matches and improves to 15-3-6 overall. The second round is Wednesday where the Chargers will meet Long Beach Poly, 1-0 winners over Murrieta Valley.
