El Camino Real Has Answer for Royal

Twelve teams have tried to knock off the El Camino Real High boys’ soccer team.

All have failed.

Royal became the Conquistadores’ latest victim, 3-2, in the Royal tournament final Saturday, but not before throwing a scare into The Times’ No. 1-ranked team in the region.

The Highlanders became the first team to score two goals against El Camino Real, and there were three lead changes.

Tony Sangari scored the winning goal in the 70th minute, taking a pass from Yan Falkinstein and beating goalkeeper Chris Noah at the near post.

The Conquistadores (12-0), who captured the Iolani tournament title in Hawaii last week, have won two tournaments for the first time in school history. Before this season, El Camino Real had won only the Narbonne tournament in 1996.

Royal (11-2-1), which lost to St. Francis in the final of the Burroughs tournament two weeks ago, will compete in the Upland tournament next week.

“No excuses, but it took us a little bit to get ticked off. We needed two goals scored on us first,” said Zach Feldman of El Camino Real, who was selected Royal tournament most valuable player. “The entire game I knew we were going to win. We believe in ourselves. We have confidence.”

El Camino Real played poorly in the first half and trailed, 1-0, on Randy Wilson’s goal in the 35th minute. It was only the second time the Conquistadores had trailed this season.

The Conquistadores, known for crafty and skillful play, reverted to playing long ball much of the first half but tied the score, 1-1, when Sangari touched in a rebound off a Jason Lara shot.

“We were playing kickball,” Sangari said. “We got sucked into their play. We finally put the ball down on the ground and started touching.”

Royal regained the lead when Wilson took a pass from Jario Quintaro and blasted a shot past goalkeeper Raul Calderon in the 39th minute. Ori Adrabi tied the score by converting a penalty kick in the 64th minute.