LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Warner men's soccer team ended their regular season play in exciting fashion on their home pitch Wednesday night. After going down a goal to the visiting Warriors of Webber International University, the Royals bounced back to score three unanswered goals and earn themselves a spot in The Sun Conference post-season tournament.
Webber got on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute, but the Royals stayed strong and eight minutes later tied the game up. Luis Rico dropped a ball back to Luis G. Esteva who sent a rocket to the upper-90 of the near post and notched the game at 1-1. The Royals outshot the Warriors 10-7 through the first 45 minutes of play.
After half-time, the Royals continued to put pressure on Webber's backline and broke through for their second goal of the game in the 66th minute. Andres Franco headed home a Bruno da Silva corner kick and gave the Royals a 2-1 lead. Even with the lead, the Royals continued to try and find the back of the Warriors net and were successful again in the 89th minute. Renaldo Brown got on the end of a through ball from da Silva to solidify the victory for the Royals.
All three goal scorers for the Royals earned their first goals of the season. Andres Franco led all players with four shots in the game and placed three on frame. Bruno da Silva recorded three shots and was credited with two assists. As a team, the Royals outshot the Warriors 14-9 in the match.
Leo Viala earned his fifth win of the season in goal for the Royals and made four saves in his 90 minutes of action.
The Royals will wait to learn who they will face in round one of The Sun Conference tournament. Continue to check www.warnerroyals.com for all post-season information.
