ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- In a battle of state-ranked teams playing top-shelf soccer, Rocky River defeated Columbus Watterson, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon.

A first-half goal by senior Keira Vesy, a pair of key saves by senior goalkeeper Sabrina Rick, and tremendous defense and ball skills throughout spelled the Pirate victory against the fifth-ranked (DI Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association) Eagles. With its seventh win in as many tries since Sept. 12, No. 5 (DIII OSSSCA) Rocky River remains unbeaten (10-0-2) on the season.

Sophomore Cara McKenna was taken down just outside the box in the 14th minute of the contest, setting up the powerful right leg of Vesy. The veteran standout lined up a 25-yard free kick with an opportunity to net her sixth goal of the season and one of the biggest of her career. A three-man wall fronted the net 15 yards in front of the Eagle 'keeper. Vesy rifled a shot through that wall -- over the top edge of the human barrier, like a wicked haircut. The right-to-left bender found its way past the diving effort of the Bishop Watterson cage-minder and into the nylon netting on the left side of the goal.

That shot was one of a combined 15 on frame in the match -- eight for Rocky River and seven for Watterson. Each goalkeeper made seven saves in the ranked-versus-ranked Buckeye State battle, and each would come away with a pair of highlight-reel efforts in defending the 192 square feet they were tasked with protecting. One of those two for Rick came on a monster effort on a right-side, 30-yard whistler seemingly destined for the twine over the senior's right shoulder. But quick footwork and a sprawling dive got Rick to the ball, and the Eagle threat was diffused. 

Vesy was sharp in keeping several deep Watterson (11-2) possessions from even getting to Rick. Her athletic and heady play helped parry away those looks before they developed in high-danger shot attempts. And ultimately, she would be instrumental in defending the lone score for which she was responsible.

And Vesy, Rick, and the rest of a determined Pirate crew did successfully defend that 1-0 lead for 66 minutes. After which, an energetic Pirate crowd filed out out of Rocky River Stadium likely thinking some version of, "We came, we saw. And the senior wearing No. 8 and the rest the Pirates conquered."

Veni, vidi, Vesy.


by Skip Snow