Simi Valley Stays Perfect in Girls’ Soccer

Simi Valley High remained undefeated in girls’ soccer Thursday night, trimming Marmonte League rival Royal, 3-0, for its 17th consecutive victory.

The host Pioneers (2-0 in league play), the top-ranked team in the Southern Section 4-A Division, scored their first goal at the 25-minute mark of the first half when midfielder Liz Albin’s shot from 20 yards slipped from the grasp of Highlander goalkeeper Tracie Rizzo.

Simi Valley, which kept the ball in Royal’s territory for most of the first half, scored again four minutes later.

Rizzo lunged to block a shot in heavy traffic but was unable to control the ball. Striker Kori Kozub charged the goal and slid into the ball for a 2-0 Simi Valley advantage.

Albin sailed a shot from the left corner just out of the reach of goalkeeper Carolyn Rahn with five minutes remaining.

“They completely outplayed us. They beat us all over the field,” Royal Coach Kevin Corley said. “There’s no doubt they’re a better team than we are.”

The Highlanders (11-3, 0-1) were playing without starting goalkeeper Nicki Noyes, who is lost for the season with a hand injury.

Simi Valley goalkeeper Kim Duran, in her first match after a bout with mononucleosis, notched her 36th career shutout.