SIMI VALLEY SOCCER TOURNAMENT : Simi Valley Grabs Gifts and Runs, 3-2

The Bakersfield West High soccer team was not exactly in the Christmas spirit during a championship semifinal match against Simi Valley on Friday night, but that didn’t stop the Blades from giving the Pioneers a couple of presents anyway.

And Simi Valley, in Scrooge-like fashion, did not respond in kind while taking a 3-2 victory at Simi Valley High.

At the five-minute mark in the first half, Simi Valley forward Kenny Greninger booted a shot in front of the West goal that struck Viking defender Eric Fambrough in the chest before dropping across the goal line.

Four minutes later, West defender Tom Latham nailed a keeper pass back to goalkeeper Steve Vesper which rolled between Vesper’s legs and into the net for a 2-0 Simi Valley lead.

Pioneer forward Spencer Belideau was credited with the second goal.

The Pioneers (8-0) took a 3-0 advantage six minutes into the second half when midfielder Craig Hampton, on a corner kick from Brian Weaver, directed a head shot into the upper-middle portion of the net.

West made it close on goals by Juan Cruz, on a head shot, and Francis Gangle.

In another tournament match:

Royal 2, Simi Valley JV 1--Striker Matt Brinkman scored on a bonus penalty kick at the 16-minute mark in the second half to put the Highlanders (6-0-1) into the tournament championship match against Marmonte League rival Simi Valley.

Brinkman’s initial attempt was blocked but the senior was awarded another kick because Pioneer goalkeeper Mike Jones moved before Brinkman kicked the ball.

Simi Valley tied the score, 1-1, five minutes into the second half on a head shot from a yard out by freshman forward Kevin Mykolyk.

Royal led, 1-0, at halftime after striker Mario Andrews scored on Daniel Morris’ rebound shot at the 10-minute mark.