ROYAL CITY - With hopes of a strong finish, the Royal Knights kicked off the South Central A Conference soccer season last week with a 3-2 defeat of Warden.

The Knights scored early in the second half and midway through the period to build a 3-1 lead. They gave up a score with five minutes to go on a penalty coach Jens Jensen believes should not have been awarded.

"It was a bit of a rocky start, and we had a few things to learn, but once we settled in, we were able to push the tempo of the match and put Warden under pressure," Jensen said.

Warden scored first when a nice threaded-through ball was hammered low to the far post. Jose Ponce pulled the score back to even when he dribbled a ball across the top of the penalty area and wrong footed the goal keeper with a well struck ball to the upper far post at 27:4.

"After half-time it was obvious Warden was starting to suffer from fatigue," Jensen said.

Royal continued to grow in confidence and was cruising after goals from Cesar Bernal and Jose Medina. Bernal's goal came at the 41:15 mark on an assist from Marcos Quiroz. Medina scored at 64:54 unassisted.

The two goal cushion allowed Jensen to give everyone playing time, and the youngsters on the bench played well.

But there was a little pressure at the end. Warden was awarded a consolation penalty after a ball deflected into one of Royal's defenders arms.

"The arm was close to the body, and there was little intent, but the assistant judged it to be intentional," Jensen said.

Warden scored the closing goal at 74:51.

"All in all, a good start to the season, and the boys looked fit. So I am happy," Jensen.

Royal displayed a hard-charging offense, taking 22 shots, 11 on goal.

Ponce took seven shots, and Medina and Bernal combined for seven.

The Knights were equally adept on defense, keeping the ball in the field. Only three saves were required. Warden needed eight saves just to stay in the game.