Fike Uses Head to Beat Royal

Whitney Fike left his mark on the Royal High-Simi Valley boys’ soccer rivalry Saturday night when he scored with five minutes left to give Simi Valley a 4-3 Marmonte League victory at Royal.

Unfortunately for Fike, the play left its mark on him--a bruised and swollen cheekbone that came from a midair collision with goalkeeper Robert Snodgrass of Royal at the top of the penalty area.

“I just ran into [Snodgrass] and the next thing I knew people were telling me I’d scored,� said Fike, who leaped to head a 50-yard clearing pass by Nicholas Chiodo over the goal keeper.

Fike’s fifth goal strengthened the post-season hopes of the Pioneers (9-4-6, 3-0-5 in league play) and all but sank those of the Highlanders (6-12-3, 2-5-1), who have not missed the playoffs in more than 10 years.

Sergio Renes scored two of his three goals to give Simi Valley a 2-0 lead. Brandon Kay of Royal scored with three minutes to play in the half and 12 minutes after the break to get Royal even.

Renes gave Simi Valley a 3-2 lead with nine minutes to play but Jake Van Sloten of Royal answered three minutes later.

In a girls’ game:

Simi Valley 3, Royal 2--Amy Ortega and Cristina Verano scored in the last 17 minutes to get the Highlanders close but the Pioneers held on at Royal.

Simi Valley (11-6-1, 5-3) moved past Royal (9-8-2, 4-3-1) and into position for the league’s final Southern Section playoff berth.