High School Soccer Playoffs : Holt Records 20th Shutout to Pace Royal

Royal goalkeeper Karl Holt posted a Southern Section record with his 20th shutout of the season Friday at Simi Valley High as the Highlanders coasted to a 3-0 win over Culver City and their 12th consecutive shutout in the opening round of the Southern Section 4-A Division playoffs.

“He had an excellent game,” Royal Coach Peter Schraml said of Holt. “He saved three difficult shots with excellent reflexes.”

Holt, who stopped six shots, also scored a goal on a penalty kick. Matt Rast, with assists from twin brother Cam and Dave Rinehart, recorded his team-leading 19th and 20th goals.

The Highlanders (22-1-2), ranked No. 3 in the 4-A, face Oxnard on Tuesday at a site to be determined.

Agoura 3, L. A. Baptist 0--Dominic Zapata, Matt Freedman and Nelson Townes each scored for Agoura in a 1-A match at L. A. Baptist.

The Chargers (13-4-3) finished third in the Frontier League.

Alemany 4, Canyon 0--Three second-half goals by Chris Lobos, Barry Sanchez and Bob Welch enabled Alemany to post an opening-round 3-A win at Canyon.

Goalkeepers Eli Hallak and Carmine Bausone teamed to record the Indians’ 11th shutout of the season. The defense of center-halfback Bill Florez and sweeper Brian Brinket helped limit Canyon to 10 shots on goal. Alemany took 35 shots.

Scott Goldsmith scored in the first half for Alemany (19-6-3).